A Nepalese transgendered performer practices her lines before an event on the International Day Against Homophobia and Trans-phobia in Kathmandu on May 17, 2013. Nepal, home to Asia's leading gay and transgender rights movement, legally recognizes a third gender category on documents for transgender people.
Nepalese firefighters clear debris after a fire at 'Pilgrims Book House' in Kathmandu on May 17, 2013. A massive fire broke out in the tourist hub of Thamel in the Nepalese capital with the bookshop, adjoining jewellery and curio shops completely destroyed.
A fire engine stands by at a narrow street outside the houses that caught fire at Thamel, a major tourist hub in Kathmandu May 17, 2013. According to local media, the fire started in the kitchen of Faces Lounge and Bar after a cooking gas cylinder exploded and spread to two neighboring buildings, including a major book store. The blaze, which destroyed property worth millions of Nepalese rupee, was brought under control after nine hours of firefighting. No deaths have been reported, but local witnesses say two people were injured.
A Nepalese Hindu man touches the deity 'Bhairab', the god of power and strength, with his forehead during the Rato (Red) Machindranath Chariot Festival in Kathmandu on May 15, 2013. The event, celebrated every year to herald good monsoon rains for increased rice harvest, prosperity and good luck, is one of the main festivals observed by both the Buddhist and Hindu communities of Kathmandu.
Nepalese Hindus and Buddhists gather to pull a chariot during the Rato (Red) Machindranath Chariot Festival in Kathmandu on May 15, 2013. The event, celebrated every year to herald good monsoon rains for increased rice harvest, prosperity and good luck, is one of the main festivals observed by both the Buddhist and Hindu communities of Kathmandu.
An elderly Nepalese resident of an 'Aama Ghar' (mother's home) enjoys her food given by volunteers on Mother's Day in Kathmandu on May 9, 2013. Nepalese people observe the day by presenting sweets and gifts to their mothers, while those whose mothers have passed away honour their souls with prayers at temples, taking holy dips, and presenting offerings.
