While Portland is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, some heritage celebrations receive less recognition than others.

South Asian Heritage Month, which was first observed in 2020 in the United Kingdom, runs from July 18 to Aug. 17 and is dedicated to honoring the traditions and diverse cultures of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In the United States, South Asian Heritage Month hasn’t been formally observed, instead South Asian culture is often included in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

In Oregon, there are a variety of ways to celebrate and engage with South Asian cultures, due to the rich cultural diversity, particularly around the Portland metro area. According to census data, Washington County is a cultural hub for Asian and South Asian cultures: 23,432 residents of Washington County, or approximately 3.9% of the population, are South Asian, as reported in the 2020 U.S. Census. Read more about Washington County’s rapidly growing Asian population here.

In 2021, Mayor Lacey Beaty of Beaverton, proclaimed Aug. 8 as “South Asian Legacy Day.” The proclamation was inspired by the Desi Project, a nonprofit created by Jesuit High School students as a way to empower South Asian teenagers in the United States to embrace their culture.

Since then, South Asian celebrations have popped up in and around Beaverton. That includes India Fest, which recently moved from downtown Portland to Beaverton City Park.

From August to October, here are a few events to celebrate South Asian heritage in Oregon and a few suggestions that can be applied year-round.

India Festival 2024

The India Cultural Association of Portland, a nonprofit organization established in 1980, is bringing back the India Festival at a new venue this year. Celebrating India’s Independence Day, the event aims to enhance cultural awareness in the Portland area, drawing over 10,000 visitors with its live music, dance, food and entertainment.

This year’s picnic-style event will be held in Beaverton City Park, hosting dozens of vendors for food, arts, crafts, clothes and services. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic chairs, blankets, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to enjoy the day outdoors. The 2024 festival will also introduce live hands-on demonstrations for cricket, mehndi (henna) and classical Indian dance, providing opportunities for everyone to try their skills and learn something new.

11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, Beaverton City Park, 12500 S.W. Fourth St., free to attend, icaportland.org

SKN Dance Fest 2024

This annual summer event organized by Sarada Kala Nilayam features Indian classical dance and music workshops led by Artistic Director Sweta Ravisankar, culminating in a two-show dance production with a live orchestra.

The dance fest will have three segments: a showcase for a chosen artist performing their own creative piece, a junior and senior group workshop and demonstration, and a Sarada Kala Nilayam dance with live orchestra. Outside the venue, there will also be a market with vendor booths that will be open before and after performances.

2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, New Expressive Works, 810 S.E. Belmont St., tickets are $20, saradakalanilayam.godaddysites.com

Durga Puja 2024

The Bengali Association of Greater Portland, also known as Prabashi Portland, is hosting its annual Durga Puja, a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil through the worship of Goddess Durga. Set during the Hindu month of Ashwin, the festival will take place over three weekends in October this year.

Festivities will include religious celebration, music and cultural performances from the community, traditional Bengali dishes and sweets and performances by well known Indian singer Sukhwinder Singh and Bengali duo Sourendra and Soumyajit. A full schedule of events can be found at prabashi.org/product/durga-puja.

Oct. 5-20, Balaji Temple, 6100 S.W. Raab Road, Portland, tickets for 3-day passess are between $100-$500 at prabashi.org/product/durga-puja, more information at prabashi.org

DesiFest 2024

For its second annual event, DesiFest will celebrate South Asian arts and culture under the theme “Possibilities.” DesiFest is organized by Thomas Anil Oommen, a director and assistant professor at Pacific University in Eugene, who started the festival last year as a way to celebrate and recognize South Asian diaspora.

The festival will feature local South Asian performances, cuisine and a variety of activities including dance, comedy, film and literature. The Navarasa Dance Theater will perform at the event and offer workshops earlier in the week at the University of Oregon. Follow DesiFest on Instagram or check their website to keep up to date on details as they are announced.

Oct. 5, Eugene, location and times are to be confirmed, free to attend, sites.google.com/view/desifest2023/home

Support South Asian restaurants

Lastly, embrace South Asian culture year-round by supporting South Asian eateries in Portland and the greater metro area. Check out our roundup of new South Asian restaurants here.

Stay tuned this fall for a guide to Diwali celebrations in Oregon. This year, the holiday will be observed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna

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