In pictures: Dussehra celebrated across India as triumph of good over evil

Image source, APImage caption, The festival includes a variety of celebrations involving actors playing deities - pictured here an actor portraying Lord Ram prepares ahead of a procession in Prayagraj, Uttar PradeshByRachita PrasadBBC News, MumbaiMillions of people across India are marking Dussehra, one of the country's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, with processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of giant effigies to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.The festival is observed with different rituals and traditions across different parts of the country but with grand celebrations everywhere.It commonly marks the deity Lord Ram's victory over the mythological 10-headed king Ravan. The festival coincides with Vijayadashami, celebrated in eastern, southern and other parts of India, to honour goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Giant effigies of the 10-headed king Ravan are brought out and burnt as part of festivities in AhmedabadImage source, Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesImage caption, Ramlila, a theatrical performance based on the Hindu epic Ramayan, is performed as part of Dussehra celebrations, seen here in NoidaImage source, Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesImage caption, The vanquishing of the 10-headed king Ravan is celebrated as the victory of righteousness over evil, with Sita placing a victory garland around the neck of her husband Lord RamImage source, Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesImage caption, Smaller Ravan effigies are a common sight at markets ahead of the Dussehra festivities, such as at this one in Delhi Image source, EPAImage caption, The festival is celebrated in different ways across the country - here, people buy flowers at a market in Bengaluru ahead of DussehraImage source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption, Marigolds are associated with the celebrations as a symbol of the victory of good over evil, harvested ahead of Dussehra around the countryHindus follow a lunar calendar, and Dussehra falls on the 10th day after Navratri, a nine-night festival of worship and celebrations.In the days leading up to Dussehra in northern India, performers wear elaborate costumes and make-up to stage Ramlila, the dramatic retelling of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. They recount Lord Ram's exile and his wife Sita's abduction by Ravan, culminating in the battle that symbolises the victory of good over evil. The final act is followed by the ritualistic burning of the effigies of Ravan, his brother, Kumbhkaran, and son Meghnath.The vibrant stage is usually accompanied by a carnival-like atmosphere with food stalls, rides and smaller performances.Image source, Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesImage caption, Ramlila performances often coincide with wider family-friendly events including stalls and rides, as pictured here in NoidaIn the east and some other parts, as well as among Hindus in Bangladesh, the festival sees devotees worshipping the divine feminine power with Durga Puja celebrations.Temporary tents housing idols of Goddess Durga and other deities are set up across cities and towns. People visit these structures, known as pandals, where Durga is often depicted slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.Current affairs often make their way into the traditional celebrations, like theme-based decoration of tents in Kolkata city, which is famous for its Durga Puja celebrations. Image source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption, Goddess Durga is depicted in celebrations as part of Durga Puja, who is said to have slayed the buffalo demon Mahishasura - artisans work on idols for weeks ahead of the event, as seen here in KolkataImage source, APImage caption, Devotees light oils lamps during Sandhi Puja, an auspicious moment of Durga PujaImage source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption, Elaborate and artistic temporary tents are set up to house idols for Durga PujaImage source, NurPhoto via Getty ImagesImage caption, Traditional dances such as Gujarat's Garba form a key part of community celebrationsDussehra also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali - the festival of lights - which is held 20 days later.