Dhaka, Oct. 16 -- Silver-white autumn clouds drift across the sky as the rhythmic beat of traditional drums, the ringing of bells and the sound of cymbals fill the air. The days of anticipation that began with prayers and recitations on Mahalaya have given way to the main celebrations of Durga Puja.

Across Bangladesh, Hindu devotees are welcoming Goddess Durga, revered as the embodiment of divine power and the destroyer of evil, with prayers and rituals at temples and worship venues.

The festivities began on Thursday night with the ceremonial awakening of the goddess, followed by prayers and offerings on Friday, marking Maha Shashthi, the sixth day of the festival's traditional lunar calendar.

At Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, d...