20 images from Dussehra celebration across India

The festival of Dussehra is being celebrated with religious fervour across India. People in large numbers gathered to witness Ram Lila, where gigantic effigies of Ravana and his brothers were burnt. Ram Lila is an enactment of Lord Rama's story. Dussehra denotes victory of good over evil. According to the Hindu mythology, there are two stories that are associated with Dussehra. It is believed that Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura after a fierce battle lasting for more than nine days. In North India, it is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana. On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, President Ram Nath Kovind extended his wishes to all the countrymen and said that this festival inspires us to walk on the path of morality, goodness and virtue. "Hearty congratulations to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. This festival inspires us to walk on the path of morality, goodness and virtue. I wish that this festival brings prosperity and happiness in the lives of the countrymen," tweeted Rashtrapati Bhavan.