Diwali in Portland, Oregon

Diwali is celebrated annually in the American city of Portland, Oregon. The city has seen various events and activities ranging from dance parties with Desi music to food drives and themed boat cruises on the Willamette River.

Events and activities

The city has hosted various events and activities to commemorate Diwali; in 2023, Willamette Week said there were dozens of Diwali festivals planned in the Portland metropolitan area.[1] The Portland Spirit has offered cruises on the Willamette River with Desi music.[2] The Multnomah Athletic Club has also hosted festivities for the holiday.[3][4]

In 2023, Dance United and DJ Prashant hosted a "multi-cultural celebration" for both Diwali and Día de los Muertos. The event at the T.E.A.M. Center featured a dance party, diyas, and ofrendas; food and drink options included tacos, chai, and Mexican hot chocolate.[5] DJ Prashant also hosted "Desi Diwali Dance Party" at Lola's Room in the Crystal Ballroom.[6][7] Northwest Children's Theater hosted Diwali celebrations featuring crafts and a diya dance tutorial.[5][1] There was also intercommunity collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and a local affiliate of the Hindu volunteer organization Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh for Diwali.[8] In 2024, Portland had a Diwali event with artist Renuluka Maharaj.[9] A Diwali celebration was held at Pioneer Courthouse Square in 2025.[10]

Elsewhere in the metropolitan area, approximately 200 people from the city, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard celebrated Diwali at the Portland Balaji Temple in Hillsboro in 2014.[11] The BAPS Temple in Tigard hosts one of the metropolitan area's largest and volunteer-organized Diwali events, attracting approximately 1,000 people annually.[12][13][14] The event is usually attended by a group of students from Beaverton's Jesuit High School.[15]

Educational institutions

In 2018, the Indian Student Association at Portland State University hosted a Diwali celebration at Hoffman Hall; several members of the association performed Arti.[16] The University of Portland hosted Diwali celebrations in 2022 and 2023; the 2023 event was hosted by the South Asian Student Union in collaboration with Pilots After Dark at Pilot House.[17] Approximately 200 people attended a Diwali celebration at Portland Community College's Rock Creek Women's Resource Center in 2023.[18] Students with the Indian Student Union have considered hosting festivities at Lincoln High School.[19]

Food and drink

Sewa Diwali Oregon hosted a food drive in 2021.[20] Local restaurants have offered Diwali specials, including East India Co. Grill and Bar in 2009.[21] In 2023, Bhuna offered specials and displayed a small shrine to Hindu gods Ganesha and Lakshmi.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "What to Do in Portland (Nov. 1-7, 2023)". Willamette Week. 2023-11-01. OCLC 54813570. Archived from the original on 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  2. ^ Roland, Rebecca (2024-10-16). "Where to Celebrate Diwali in Portland". Eater Portland. Vox Media. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  3. ^ "A Diwali Celebration to Remember". The Winged M. Multnomah Athletic Club. January 2023. Archived from the original on 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  4. ^ "Light Up the Night with Diwali Celebration". The Winged M. October 2024. p. 23. Archived from the original on 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  5. ^ a b c Wong, Janey (2023-11-03). "Where to Celebrate Diwali in Portland". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  6. ^ Gebel, Meira (2023-11-09). "How to spend Veterans Day weekend in Portland". Axios Portland. Archived from the original on 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  7. ^ "8 things to do in Portland this weekend | Nov. 10-12". KGW. 2023-11-08. Archived from the original on 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  8. ^ "Jewish and Hindu communities break bread and barriers". Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  9. ^ "Superabundant dispatch: Suji ka halwa (Indian semolina halva) and this week's news nibbles". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on 2025-10-15. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  10. ^ "Diwali celebrations 2025 in US: Top events, celebrations, and where to join the festivities". The Financial Express. 2025-10-17. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  11. ^ "Festival of Lights draws more than 200 people to Portland Balaji Temple". The Oregonian. October 24, 2014.
  12. ^ Profenna, Chiara (2024-10-29). "Take part in the Festival of Lights at Tigard BAPS Temple's Diwali celebration". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  13. ^ "Tigard's celebration of Diwali — the Hindu Festival of Lights — likely first in state for a city". Hillsboro News Times. 2024-11-04. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  14. ^ Pitz, Ray (2025-10-09). "Tigard Diwali, Annakut celebration set this month". Valley Times. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  15. ^ "Community invited to Tigard celebration of Diwali, annual Hindu festival of lights". Portland Tribune. 2023-11-02. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  16. ^ Cecil, Madison (November 16, 2018). "Diwali – Festival of Lights". Portland State Vanguard. Portland State University. Archived from the original on May 18, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  17. ^ "SASU highlights Diwali at UP for the second time in club history". The Beacon. Archived from the original on 2024-04-16. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  18. ^ "Festival of Lights Brightens Rock Creek". Portland Community College. Archived from the original on 2025-03-16. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
  19. ^ "Guest essay: The importance of community – a message from Lincoln's Indian Student Union". The Cardinal Times. Archived from the original on 2025-11-09. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  20. ^ "People can donate to the Sewa Diwali Food Drive through Nov. 21". KGW. 2021-10-25. Archived from the original on 2021-10-27. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  21. ^ Hagberg, Eva (2009-10-15). "Dealfeed: East India Co". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on 2023-12-02. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
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