Hindus all over Nepal are celebrating the Tihar festival during which they worship cows, which are considered a maternal figure, and other animals.

Also known as the festival of lights, devotees worship the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, by illuminating and decorating their homes using garlands, oil lamps, candles and colourful light bulbs.

Hindu Nepalese all over the country celebrate Tihar by offering food and garlands to dogs, cows and crows for their obedience during the five-day long festival.

Kathmandu valley is seen against the illuminated Swyambhu Nath Stupa during the Tihar festival, October 26, 2011.
Kathmandu valley is seen against the illuminated Swyambhu Nath Stupa during the Tihar festival, October 26, 2011. Reuters
A Hindu devotee crawls under a cow during a religious ceremony in Kathmandu October 26, 2011.
A Hindu devotee crawls under a cow during a religious ceremony in Kathmandu October 26, 2011. Reuters
A police dog stands up at the command of its officer during the dog festival as part of celebrations of Tihar at Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu October 25, 2011.
A police dog stands up at the command of its officer during the dog festival as part of celebrations of Tihar at Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu October 25, 2011. Reuters
Religion