LA PAZ, Aug 3 — Indigenous Bolivians gathered recently to honour Pachamama, the goddess of the earth and fertility, on the Day of Mother Earth.

During the traditional ceremony, the faithful burn offerings of sweets, alcohol and even llama fetuses to the god.

Believers also "feed the earth” by burying clay containers with boiled food, together with coca leaves, alcohol, wine, and cigarettes.

Cirilo Cruz says: "We on August 1, make an offering to Pachamama, because on this day she is hungry and opens her mouth. When Pachamama's mouth is open, we offer food. Offering tables are the reason why people come to this place that is very sacred, to give offerings to Pachamama.”

The ritual has also been adapted by people living in urban areas. Followers ask for material things such as houses, cars, holidays, health and money.

They make their offerings because they believe Mother Earth is exhausted after providing for humanity. — Reuters

Bolivian Aymara people attend a ceremony to make offerings for the 'Pachamama" (Mother Earth) in El Alto, Bolivia August 1, 2016. — Reuters pic