Rites Around the World

The Samaritans, who trace their roots to the biblical Kingdom of Israel in what is now the northern occupied West Bank, observe religious practices similar to those of Judaism.

The event began in the 1990s and has since grown into one of the biggest gatherings of the Goth scene in Europe with around 20,000 participants. Many of those attending wear elaborate outfits and makeup for which they require hours of painstaking preparation and that also show a departure from the traditional black of the Goth scene. Punk remains a strong influence in today's Goth style as witnessed in Leipzig, but newer trends, with names like Cybergoth and Steampunk, have emerged that blend bold colours, Victorian fashion elegance and 19th and 20th century factory accessories into a look reminiscent of a mutated Venetian carnival. The five-day festival includes performances by around 200 bands.

The festival, held in celebration to mark the birthday of Chinese deity Guan Ping, is believed to bring prosperity for local businesses.

Tisha B'Av, a day of fasting and lament, commemorates the date in the Jewish calendar on which it is believed that First and Second Temples were destroyed in Jerusalem.

Hindus take holy baths and change their sacred thread, also known as Janai, for protection and purification, during the festival.

The annual event sees participants working together to reach the top of slippery poles where prizes are hung.

Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1945. In 2005, the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept August 17, 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

On 'Father's Day', sons and daughters show their gratitude to their fathers in Nepal, bringing them presents, sweets and fruits. But those who have no father anymore, traditionally visit Gokarneswor Shrine where they conduct puja and offer 'Pinda' ? food for the departed soul and praying for his eternal peace.

Members of the Newar community celebrate their New Year's Day by praying for longevity and performing rituals to purify and empower the soul for the coming year.

The Newar community observes the start of their Newari New Year 1135, in accordance with their lunar calendar, by worshipping their spiritual selves in a ritual known as "mahapuja".

The Tihar festival is the second major festival for Nepalese Hindus and this year is held from October 21, 2014.

Cambodians marked the anniversary on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hindus in Nepal celebrate "Chhat", a four-day festival that honours the sun god by praying at sunrise and sunset, and seeking blessings for ones family by giving offerings.

Shiites mark Ashoura, the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharam, to commemorate the Battle of Karbala in the 7th century when Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was killed in present-day Iraq. Arabic on the flag reads, "Oh Hussein."