SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
The month seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
South Asian culture has made a significant impact on Britain in various aspects, such as food, clothing, music, words, and the overall ambience of our towns and cities.
It’s a beautiful display of the rich and proud South Asian heritage that has blended into the British way of life, contributing to the diversity of our nation. Observing South Asian Heritage Month provides us with an excellent chance to embrace and celebrate the history and identity of British South Asians.
It’s crucial to allow people to share their own stories, and this occasion offers an opportunity to showcase what being South Asian in the 21st century entails, while also reflecting on our past and how it has shaped us. More details about South Asian Heritage Month are here
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
The Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
The information below on some of the events happening across the UK is correct at the time of being published, please check directly with event organisers or the website for the latest updates, times and travel information.
ONLINE on Thurs 1st August. I Am Who I Am Now: images and representation in the Bengali Photo Archive.
Panel discussion and exhibition focuses on everyday photographs taken of and by Bengali people over the past 50 years. I Am Who I Am Now: Selections from the Bengali Photo Archive is co-curated by Julian Ehsan, Four Corners and the Bengali Photo Archive volunteers with the generous support of Swadhinata Trust. The exhibition and archive project were supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, Historic England, Art Fund, Robert Gavron Charitable Trust, The John S Cohen Foundation, Old Possum’s Practical Trust and The Austin. https://www.swadhinata.org.uk More details here
BIRMINGHAM : Weds 7th August, Chai and Chat
On Wednesday 7 August at The Exchange. Join Dr. Shahmima Akhtar for an engaging session on anti-racist activism within British Bangladeshi communities in Birmingham. Share in the conversation and enjoy a cup of chai as Dr. Akhtar discusses her experiences and journey. £6 booking details here
LONDON : Thurs 8th August, Turnpike Lane and South Asian Heritage: A Guided Walk
This event takes place on the 8th August 2024, 10.30am to 12.00pm. Haringey Council has teamed up with historians from Bruce Castle Park and the businesses on Turnpike Lane to organise a Heritage Walk and Talk, with lots of fascinating information about the history of Turnpike Lane. Spaces are limited! Please click here to book your place before tickets run out.
ONLINE : Mon, 12th August: ‘Free to Lead with Impact’: A virtual workshop for Emerging South Asian Leaders aged 18-30
A workshop for people from across the globe that offers a unique opportunity to explore and embrace your identity. SOUTH ASIANS FOR SUSTAINABILITY X ILLUMINE EARTH WORKSHOP: FREE TO LEAD WITH IMPACT. Read more about the Free to Lead with Impact workshop, here
LONDON : Art Exhibition at the UAL (University of the Arts London)
The UAL (University of the Arts London) and Arts SU (Arts Students’ Union) proudly present their exhibition for South Asian Heritage Month 2024, curated by MA and Arts SU (Arts Students’ Union) proudly present their exhibition for South Asian Heritage Month 2024, curated by MA Photojournalism & Documentary Photography student Sophia Nasif. The exhibition was co-curated by Arts SU Sabbatical Officers Zainab Goriwala and Sayali Waghmare. Free To Be Me exhibition - read more here
BIRMINGHAM: Sat 10th August is the Rakshabandhan Festival.
10th August at 6.30pm. University of Birmingham, Edgbaston. The festival of Rakshabandhan is celebrated in the month of August every year to honour the relationship of sisters with their beloved brothers. Rakshabandhan means the bond of purity and protection and on this auspicious occasion, a sister ties a rakhi, which is a decorated thread, on the wrist of her brother, and applies tilak on his forehead to honour his soul, gives him an Indian sweet and prays for his longevity. The brother in return pledges to protect the dignity of all sisters.
There are various legends behind this festival. Register here
EDINBURGH : Tues 13th August is Ananta, The Eternal.
This event takes place on 13th Aug 1pm - 2pm at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - Dance Base. Dance Base 3, 14 – 16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU
Exploring the relationship between the deity and devotee, Ananta, The Eternal weaves together threads of body, memory, desire and devotion through the 2000-year-old classical South Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. A highly spiritual and emotional dance practice, Ananta combines original South Indian classical music and costumes with distinctive movements, gestures and expressions to create a unique form of storytelling that has become an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. Performed by acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancers and choreographers Aparna and Ashwini Ramaswamy, who helm Ragamala Dance Company alongside their mother, Ranee, this is the company’s first Fringe show in five years. Until 25 August: http://www.assemblyfestival.com/
BIRMINGHAM - Workshops for For Gay, Bi, Trans And Queer Men With South Asian Heritage
August 19th. Two FREE Creative And Discussion Led Workshops (PAID Opportunity) For Gay, Bi, Trans And Queer Men With South Asian Heritage
You are invited to join two FREE creative and discussion workshops.
Eligibility criteria:
You need to live in Birmingham (they will consider areas nearby such as Solihull, Coventry and Wolverhampton and other nearby locations).
Be a gay, bi, trans or queer man with South Asian Heritage.
Be able to attend both workshop dates Monday August 19th and Saturday August 31st from 11am – 4pm.
Have lived experiences of being diagnosed with depression at any time in your life.Two FREE Creative And Discussion Led Workshops (PAID Opportunity) For Gay, Bi, Trans And Queer Men With South Asian Heritage
For details email Email aulukd@blueyonder.co.uk or complete this form here
GREATER MANCHESTER : Rochdale South Asian Heritage Festival
Thurs, 15th August is the Rochdale South Asian Heritage Festival - Rochdale Town Hall. Book here
MANCHESTER : South Asian Film Club
South Asian Film Club running until 16th August The South Asia Gallery is all about storytelling, promoting alternative perspectives and hidden or unusual narratives. Over South Asian Heritage Month we will showcase thought-provoking films to celebrate and share South Asian film and cinema. South Asian Heritage Month programme details here
PRESTON, LANCASHIRE: Free To Be Me Anarkali Dress – By Sahara In Preston’s Women’s Group. Runs until 17th August.
This summer, the Harris and Sahara in Preston are celebrating South Asian Heritage Month. Admire the inspiring ‘Free to be Me’ dress that has been embroidered, embellished and painted by 25 women from Sahara’s Coffee Afternoon Group. Location: Level 2 outside TK Maxx, Fishergate Shopping Centre, Fishergate, Preston, PR1 8HJ . More details visit https://www.theharris.org.uk/ or email a.welbourne@preston.gov.uk
I Am Who I Am Now: Selections from the Bengali Photo Archive . View photos online here
The information listed above is correct at the time of being published, please check directly with event organisers or the website for the latest updates, times and travel information.
