Hindus on the third day of Tihar, the festival of lights, in Kathmandu

Tihar, also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak, is celebrated in Nepal, on October 28. On the third day of the festival, Hindus across the country pay homage to cows, which are considered sacred animals in the religion.

Tihar is the second-biggest Nepali festival; it’s a time of celebration but also of gratitude for animals such as cows, crows and dogs.

On the third day of Tihar, cows are given food with some fanfare in the morning; in the evening the Hindu deity of wealth Laxmi is invoked.

Tihar is celebrated at the same time as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The third day of Tihar marks is the beginning of the new Nepal Sambat calendar year.

Cows are celebrated by hanging garlands of marigolds around their necks and vermilion tilak, or mark, is made on their foreheads.

Hindu priests congregate before a ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal.

In Hinduism, cow is the symbol of prosperity and wealth. During Tihar, the animal - one of many - is celebrated with chanting, adornments and more.

It all begins early in the morning - cows are bathed and made ready for the rituals that will follow.

A man takes part in a ritual on the third day of Tihar.

Tihar, meaning the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over five days in Nepal. No one is exempt from celebrating the occasion.

A Hindu priest crawls under a cow as part of Tihar celebrations.

Age is no bar to celebrating; it's a time for family to come together and usher in the New Year.

Besides garlands, the feet of cattle may be adorned with bangles (as seen here).

Marigolds, like the ones used here to make a garland, are integral to Hindu festivals. It is reportedly called the “herb of the sun”.