When is Dussehra 2018, how is the end of Navratri celebrated and how many days left until Diwali?

DUSSEHRA or Vijayadashami is a major Hindu celebration marking the end of a nine-day festival of music and worship called Navratri.

Gods and goddesses are worshipped during the festivities, which also mark the beginning of preparations for Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights.

When is Dussehra 2018?

Dussehra, known as Vijayadashami in eastern and north-eastern India, is an important Hindu festival held at the end of Navratri.

The festival is being held on October 18, 2018.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, with people in eastern and north-eastern states of India celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon.

Durga, the warrior goddess, is usually depicted riding a tiger and wielding many weapons in her eight arms.

In the northern, southern and western states people remember the god Rama's victory over the demon Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita.

How is the end of Navratri celebrated?

Dussehra and Vijayadashami are held at the end of Navratri, a nine-day festival of worship, dance and music.

In eastern and north-eastern India Vijayadashami marks the end of the festival and is celebrated by carrying clay statues of gods and goddesses, including Durga, to water.

Worshippers play music and chant before immersing the images in water.

In northern, southern and western states Dussehra is celebrated by the burning huge effigies of the demon Ravana before setting off fireworks to celebrate the destruction of evil.

How long does it fall before Diwali?

The festivals of Dussehra and Vijayadashami also mark the start of preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated 20 days later.

This year Diwali - the festival of light - will be observed on Wednesday, November 7.

The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Celebrations see neighbourhoods covered in lights, and homes are lit up with diyas - small clay oil lamps.

These diyas are placed in the entrance of the home, often in  rows.

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