Praying for divine intervention seeking the well being of their dogs is a customary practice in Mayasa, Nicaragua. During the annual festival in honor of Saint Lazarus, humans take their canine friends to pray for their good health. Lazarus believed as the patron saint of beggars and the sick are taken to pay tribute there. The dogs are generally dressed in different outfits for the celebrations. From angel costumes, sports players, sailors, and princesses, you will find them all there.

An AFP report quoted 18-year-old Rosa Blas as saying, "I have come to pay tribute to Saint Lazarus to save my dog." Her German Shepherd had fever and could not walk. Along with pets, people also pray for solutions to their problems. From acne to sores, people had come there to find a cure for their diseases too. The report quoted 38-year-old Francisco Cortes who had come with his family and pitbull said that he was recently cured of diarrhea by the saint.

The day has been celebrated as it has references in The Bible. It talks about a rich man and Lazarus, whose sores dogs would lick. Lazarus survived on the breadcrumbs that fell from the rich man's table while he ate. However, when both men died, Lazarus who went to heaven, while the rich man went to hell.

Since the 19th century, people have been believing in the powers of Saint Lazarus's healing powers. After a deadly cholera epidemic in Nicaragua, people started relying on the divine powers.

This observance reminds us of Kukur Tihar, one of Nepal's most important festivals for dogs. Devoted solely to man's best friend, dogs, the Hindu community in Nepal celebrates the five-day festival by decking them with garlands thus showing them respect. They are also given special treats and loads of food to eat. Tihar which is Nepal's version of Diwali occurs in either October or November each year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 19, 2018 11:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).