Kathmandu, Aug. 10 -- Dressed as cows who are on a brief pilgrimage to give salvation to souls of their departed loved ones, thousands of people marched through Basantapur Durbar Square marking the annual festival of Gai Jatra.

The time-honoured tradition involves people of all ages wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died within the past year. Bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession, including the cows.

"The families who have lost their loved ones--father, mother, brother, and other siblings--within the past one year are paraded around the city. A person can be dressed as a cow or a beggar and is paraded around Kathmandu; this tradition has been followed sin...