Thousands of fasting women gathered in Nepal to celebrate the Hindu festival of Teej.

Devotees assembled at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on August 26 to pay respect to Lord Shiva, following a long-standing tradition.

Footage shows worshippers dressed in bright red, dancing and singing in the temple's outer courtyard.

Locals said women observe a day-long fast on this date, the third day of the dark half of the lunar month, which falls in Nepal's Bhadra month, seeking blessings for personal well-being and family prosperity.

Teej is a major Hindu festival in Nepal and northern India, marking the arrival of the monsoon and honouring the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

It is primarily observed by women through fasting, prayer, and song. Married women pray for their husband's health and longevity, while unmarried women seek blessings for a good future spouse.