NEW DELHI — Millions of Indians are celebrating Dussehra — an important Hindu festival — as fears about the Covid-19 pandemic have subsided.

For the past two years, celebrations were either muted or altogether canceled.

Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which roughly falls between the months of September and October.

The festival celebrates Ram's vanquishing of the 10-headed demon king Ravan, and symbolizes the triumph of “good” over “evil”.

Dussehra is celebrated throughout India with different rituals and activities.

Celebrations last for many days and are marked by songs, dances and large processions.

People visit family and friends, exchange sweets and gifts, and wear traditional outfits.

In some places such as Gujarat, the festival is preceded by nine nights of dancing - or Navratri - where people wear colorful clothes and perform traditional dances with small sticks - dandiyas - and synchronized claps.

On the 10th day, effigies of Ravan, his brother and son are burnt to mark the victory of good over evil. Large crowds gather to watch this spectacle and erupt into cheers as crackling flames engulf the effigies.

Sometimes, firecrackers are lit in tandem, but over the past couple of years, environmentalists and politicians have been urging people to refrain from lighting fireworks due to the rising levels of air pollution.

In northern India, Ramlila - a theatrical performance based on Ram's life - is performed in cities and towns. Performers dress up as different characters from the Hindu epic Ramayan and enact scenes in front of large crowds.

The festival also marks the end of Durga Puja and commemorates goddess Durga's slaying of the buffalo demon Mahishasur.

People set up elaborate stage decorations known as "pandals" that draw large crowds. These pandals showcase designs based on a variety of themes, ranging from politics to important paintings.

Dussehra also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali — a festival of lights — which is held 20 days later. — BBC