Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- The rhythmic beat of drums, the sound of conch shells and the fragrance of incense filled the capital's Dhakeshwari National Temple as Hindu devotees gathered to celebrate Maha Saptami, praying for peace, harmony and a prosperous Bangladesh.

Worshippers began arriving before sunrise on Saturday, many with their families, to take part in the second day of Durga Puja's main festivities.

Priests and devotees carried the Nabapatrika, a ceremonial arrangement of nine plants wrapped in a saree, to a nearby pond for a ritual bath before bringing it back to the temple for worship.

The ceremony was completed at 7:39am, followed by prayers and offerings to Goddess Durga.

"Through this festival, we want to spread the message of...