"religious purposes"

#13127281

24 December 2025

A Kwanzaa display is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on November 22, 2025. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. During the early years of Kwanzaa, it is meant to be an alternative to Christmas. Christianity is seen as a 'White religion' that Black people should shun. Today, Kwanzaa is also celebrated by many African American Christians.

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#12678160

26 August 2025

Fasting Nepali Hindu women rest in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, while observing the festival of Teej. Women on this third day of the dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. The 'Teej' festival, also celebrated as 'Haritalika,' is observed in various parts of India. According to the 'Skanda Puran' (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival gets the name 'Haritalika Teej' as it was on this very day in the 'Satya Yug' (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, is hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before 'Teej,' on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as 'Dar' at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of 'Teej' are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood. Women put on bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari,' and 'Sindur' (crimson powder) considered symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments. Women in the morning take ritual baths and offer worship while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and spend the night awake.

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#12678161

26 August 2025

Fasting Nepali Hindu women dance in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, while observing the festival of Teej. Women on this third day of the dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. The 'Teej' festival, also celebrated as 'Haritalika,' is observed in various parts of India. According to the 'Skanda Puran' (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival gets the name 'Haritalika Teej' as it is on this very day in the 'Satya Yug' (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, is hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before 'Teej,' on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as 'Dar' at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of 'Teej' are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood. Women put on bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari,' and 'Sindur' (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments. Women in the morning take ritual baths and offer worship, while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and spend the night awake.

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#12678162

26 August 2025

Fasting Nepali Hindu women throng a Shiva Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, while observing the festival of Teej. Women on this third day of the dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. The 'Teej' festival, also celebrated as 'Haritalika,' is also observed in various parts of India. According to the 'Skanda Puran' (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival gets the name 'Haritalika Teej' as it is on this very day in the 'Satya Yug' (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, is hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before 'Teej,' on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as 'Dar' at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of 'Teej' are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood. Women put on bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari,' and 'Sindur' (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments. Women in the morning take ritual baths and offer worship while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and spend the night awake.

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#12678163

26 August 2025

Fasting Nepali Hindu women dance in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 26, 2025, while observing the festival of Teej. Women on this third day of the dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. The 'Teej' festival, also celebrated as 'Haritalika,' is observed in various parts of India. According to the 'Skanda Puran' (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival gets the name 'Haritalika Teej' as it is on this very day in the 'Satya Yug' (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, is hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before 'Teej,' on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as 'Dar' at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of 'Teej' are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood. Women put on bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari,' and 'Sindur' (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments. Women in the morning take ritual baths and offer worship, while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps, and spend the night awake.

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#12632230

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632231

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632232

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632233

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632234

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632236

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632237

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632239

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632241

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12632242

10 August 2025

People dress as cows and parade through the alleyways and courtyards of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 10, 2025, to commemorate their loved ones who have passed away within a year, praying for their salvation. Dressed as cows, who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to the souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people march through Basantapur Durbar Square, marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra. In this time-honored tradition, people of all ages, in the guise of cows and lunatics, go around the city wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who have died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows. This festival of cows, commonly called ''Gai Jatra'' or the ''Cow Festival,'' falls on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Sukla Pratipada), the fifth month of the Lunar calendar. It is mostly observed by the Newari and Tharu communities of Nepal. According to sayings, the festival derives its name from the religious belief that the deceased, during their journey to heaven, cross a legendary river by grabbing the tail of a cow. The tails of cows demonstrated today are also credited for helping the deceased to get across Baitarni, a legendary river, to enter heaven. The persons who are demonstrated with the attire of a cow also have an artificial tail, which serves the same purpose.

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#12454273

8 June 2025

A woman wearing a headscarf stands at a Bankomat ATM next to a baby stroller and parked motorcycles in Vienna, Austria, on June 7, 2025. She handles a banking transaction while her child remains seated in the stroller beside her.

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