In October, Nepal holds a colourful five-day festival known as Tihar. While Hindus around the world celebrate Diwali - the festival of lights - in the name of the goddess Lakshmi, Nepal adds in more days and elements.
The first day is Kag Puja, which celebrates crows. People believe the crows' cawing sounds like someone sobbing with sadness. They don't want any sadness for the next year so they put out sweets and treats for the black birds.
The second day is Kukur Puja to celebrate dogs. Dogs are believed to be messengers of the god of death, Yamaraj. People feed dogs lovely treats and adorn them with garlands and sacred markings on the forehead called tika.
The third day is Gai Puja and Laxmi Puja. On this day, houses are cleaned and decorated. In the morning, cows, which are sacred to Hindus, are thanked for providing milk. They are given sweet grasses and are worshipped. Later it is Lakshmi's turn. Oil lamps and other special lights are lit to thank the goddess of wealth for her blessings.
On the fourth day, different ethnic groups hold celebrations. Some worship oxen, while others worship cow dung, which is used to make biogas in Nepal. Others reflect on the year ahead.
On the last day of the holidays, sisters honour their brothers, putting a tika on their foreheads. They thank the brothers for the protection they have had during the year. The brothers give the girls money.
