RELIGION PICTURE GALLERIES

Orthodox Christians across eastern Europe have braved some of the lowest temperatures in decades as they plunged into icy water to celebrate the Epiphany.

The icon, referred to as The Black Nazarene, is thought to have healing powers.

The temple is considered to be the most sacred of Lord Shiva and sees Hindus from across Nepal and India travel to the Nepalese capital for the annual event.

Arbaeen commemorates the end of a 40-day mourning period after the killing of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, during a battle in 680 AD.

Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of loved ones.

Cities such as Mexico City, Lima and La Paz spend the early days of November paying tribute to those who have died.

Church bells rang out for the first time in two years in the town on the outskirts of Mosul.

The Hindu festival of lights symbolises taking people from darkness to light in the victory of good over evil.

Sukkot has both historical and agricultural origins and will be observed from 16- 23 October 2016.

Some Orthodox Jews wave a live chicken over their heads, believing they will be purged of their sins.

Dussehra commemorates a battle in which Lord Rama defeated the 10-headed demon king Ravana in order to save his wife Sita.

Shia Muslims are gathering for Ashura, which commemorates the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein at the battle of Karbala.

Those taking part, show their religious devotion through ritualistic and self-mutilating trials.

Crowds turn out after many stayed away from the Muslim festival last year due to a Boko Haram attack that killed 35.

Award-winning photojournalist Kevin Frayer visits a remote village in far western China during the 'feast of the sacrifice'.

At least one million Iranians have travelled to Iraq to observed Arafat Day in the holy Shia city of Karbala.

The hajj draws the faithful to the holy city of Mecca and areas around it for five intense days of rituals and prayers.

Efforts are being made to strengthen crowd management following last years stampede, where over 2,000 people died.

Around 3.7 million people make the Hajj pilgrimage each year.

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery in Najaf covers about 10 square kilometres and contains five million bodies.

The statue rests 15 metres below sea level, and requires scuba divers to find it.