Go bigger, be more representative — that was the Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission’s lofty goal for Tulsa Asia Fest. After debuting dozens of dances, foods and facts spanning nearly 35 different Asian countries, attendees say they accomplished it.
Thousands of people gathered in the Arvest Convention Center Saturday for this year’s festival. There were giveaways, community booths and several chances for families to engage with Asian culture.
Pragathi Gowda has been dancing at Kripalaya Dance Academy for most of her life. They teach traditional classical and folk dances in Indian culture, and performed live at Tulsa Asia Fest.
“It’s really great to be able to share our culture and just everything that we do with the Tulsa community,“ said Gowda. “Seeing so many faces out there from different cultures, different backgrounds, and everyone’s continued support of what we do and the love we feel from the Tulsa community is just really great.”
Beyond the Tulsa community, some traveled a couple of hours to check out the festival. Steve Le and Vivian Le, who work with the Oklahoma City Asian District Cultural Association, wanted to support Tulsa’s growing Asian community.
“Growing up in Oklahoma — being born and raised in Oklahoma City — it hasn’t always been the coolest thing to be Asian American,” Steve Le said. “But I think that script has been flipped.”
He added that being Asian American in Oklahoma means being proud of who you are and representing your community well, now more than ever before. He was happy to see that story was budding here in Tulsa, too.
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