Before Leicester's huge Diwali celebrations, Hindus in the city will be celebrating the festival of Navratri.

The festival began on Sunday, September 29, with the first night of music, dance and colour. It is the last big celebration before Diwali in the Hindu calendar.

Hindus across Leicester will spend the next nine nights and ten days celebrating at venues throughout the city which will be hosting evenings of live music and traditional Indian dancing and prayer.

What is the meaning of Navratri?

'Navratri' comes from classical language of Sankrit and translates as 'nine nights'. The festival, marks a time in the Hindu calendar that falls in early Autumn.

During the nine nights and ten days, the Hindu Goddess Durga is celebrated in each of her nine manifestations or avatars - she is often considered the supreme goddess.

The festival also marks the triumph of good over evil.

How is it celebrated?

The festival is marked by nine nights of dancing and a prayer which is performed by the whole congregation before continuing with the festivities.

Garbha is a style of folk dancing in India and is performed by in groups in a circle. It is traditionally performed in a circle around a statue or picture of the deity being worshipped.

Dancing is often met with live music and professional singers - many of whom travel from India to be part of Leicester's celebrations.

Another style of dancing performed is called Dandiya Raas which includes wooden sticks and is performed in pairs. It is often the most popular part of the evening.

The dances vary in style and although are repetitive, they speed up and intensify with the music.

One of the rituals of customs of Navratri is also to fast. For Hindus, this can mean cutting out meats, alcohol and certain ingredients. They might also stick to one meal per day and adopt a vegetarian diet for the duration of the festival.

What do people wear during the festival?

Bright colours are worn to mark the happy occasion and traditionally a 3-piece-outfit called a chaniya choli is worn by women which includes a skirt, blouse and scarf that is draped across the body. Men sometimes wear kurtas which are long tunic tops with trousers.

The dress code is open to interpretation as many will go in shirt and trousers and a more modern style dress. Some devotees wear specific colours each day which are associated with each avatar of the Goddess Durga.

Click here for tips from police on staying safe from thieves this Navratri.