Durga Puja is the biggest festival in the Bengali calendar. The North East Ohio Bengali Association (NEOBA) invites all of Northeast Ohio to celebrate it at Solon Middle School on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026. Saturday Morning, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (free and open to all): Maha Ashtami puja, pushpanjali, aarti with dhaak, and a free community bhog lunch of khichuri, labra, beguni and chutney. The Puja Bazaar opens with sarees, ethnic wear and jewellery. $2 reservation per person. Saturday Evening, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Shondhi Pujo, dhunuchi naach, and Rishi Panda & His Band live from 7:30 PM, followed by the Mahabhoj grand dinner. Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM: Dashami puja, sindoor khela, the "Shriman Shrimati" couples contest, a cultural programme, and lunch and dinner to close the festival. Passes (early bird through Sep 30): Saturday Evening $50, Sunday $50, 2-Day Pass $90 per adult; $10 per child up to 17. Students 17–27 get 75% off. Children under 4 free. All registration is online and in advance. Everyone is welcome, member or not, Bengali or not.
