One Spring, Many Stories: UgadiEidSter Brings Oregon’s South Asian Communities Together in Joy and Solidarity

Sravya Tadepalli from HfHR - photo credit Chiara Profenna

More than 100 people gathered on Sunday, April 13th at the Baha’i Center in Beaverton for UgadiEidSter, a first-of-its-kind spring celebration blending traditions from Ugadi, Eid al-Fitr, and Easter. The event brought together Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others from across Oregon’s South Asian diaspora to share food, music, dance, and—most importantly—community.

Organized by Hindus for Human Rights in collaboration with India International Church, Bilal Masjid, and the Afghan Support Network, the event was envisioned and led by HfHR board member Sravya Tadepalli. Her idea was simple but powerful: What if we didn’t just celebrate side by side—but together, in one space, as one community?

“We often celebrate our holidays in silos,” said Sravya. “UgadiEidSter was a chance to break those silos and remind ourselves that solidarity is joyful, not solemn.”

a welcoming message for UgadiEidSter from Mrudula Bobba, a board member of the Sri Mukambika Mahadeva Hindu Shrine

From Carnatic and Hindustani music to Kathak and Afghan dance, the program reflected the deep artistic traditions of South Asia. A performance by the India International Church band and a solo Bharatanatyam dance offered moments of devotion and celebration alike. Between acts, speakers from different faiths shared short reflections on what spring renewal means in their traditions.

The evening concluded with a shared meal of South Asian cuisine and intentional time for mingling and conversation—something too often missing in our fast-moving worlds. Attendees left not just with full stomachs, but with new friends and a renewed sense of what is possible when community is built on inclusion, not exclusion.

music from Carnatic to Hindustani was part of the celebration

Despite facing backlash from a small group of Hindu nationalists who tried to cancel the event—wrongly labeling it “anti-Hindu”—UgadiEidSter was a resounding success. In fact, the very existence of such an event underscores why interfaith work is so essential today, especially within the diaspora.

“We’re living through a time when religious divisions are being exported from South Asia into diaspora communities like ours,” said Sravya. “UgadiEidSter was our answer to that—a celebration of shared values and new beginnings.”

UgadiEidSter was made possible thanks to a wide coalition of partners, including Sri Mukambika Mahadeva Hindu Shrine, The Immigrant Story, Hyderabad Hub, Oregon DesiFest, and Afghan & Indian Cuisine. These partnerships—and the energy of the more than 100 people who showed up—are a reminder that another South Asian community is not only possible, it’s already taking shape.

Share in these photo and video highlights from the event. And from all of us at HfHR: Happy Ugadi, Eid Mubarak, and a Blessed Easter!