As South Asian Heritage Month unfolds, cultural organisations across the UK are coming alive with vibrant celebrations and a rich array of programmes that honour and explore the diverse traditions, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities.
This dedicated month serves as a vibrant tapestry showcasing the artistic, cultural, and historical richness of South Asian heritage through events, exhibitions, performances, and discussions. These celebrations offer an opportunity to delve into the multifaceted narratives of South Asian cultures, highlight their profound impact on society, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation among broader audiences.
South Asian Heritage Month is celebrating its rich diversity through Focus Fridays, which explore various aspects of identity within the South Asian communities. Each Friday delves into a different theme, starting with LGBTQ+ Pride on July 19th, Multi Heritage on July 26th, Dis/Ability on August 2nd, and Cross-Generational Understanding on August 9th.
Additionally, it features special focus days for each of the eight South Asian countries: Bhutan on July 20th, India on July 21st, Maldives on July 27th, Sri Lanka on July 28th, Afghanistan on August 2nd, Bangladesh on August 3rd, Nepal on August 10th, and Pakistan on August 11th.
The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, a leading cultural and educational centre in West Kensington since 1972, is celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with a range of performances, classes, exhibitions, and more.
Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK Centre, Dr M N Nandakumara MBE “Our former Director General used to mention that 'The Bhavan's work is God's work. It is an adventure in faith.' I feel an institution like the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is very much needed to bring communities closer. We are proud of what The Bhavan has been able to achieve with support from people from all walks of life over the past 50 years in the UK. Bhavan UK believes that South Asian artists bring a kaleidoscope of perspectives, reflecting the beauty of unity in diversity. Their narratives unfold like a captivating story, weaving threads of heritage into the fabric of contemporary expression. It's a testament to the power of art to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and spark conversations that transcend borders. Together, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic artistic landscape that reflects the beautiful mosaic of our society. We are celebrating the South Asian Heritage Month with an array of splendid performances, workshops and masterclasses, special features from our archives in a month-long campaign on Bhavan's social media platforms.”
Tara Theatre, dedicated to exploring global complexities through a South Asian lens and championing South Asian voices, has planned a series of events for South Asian Heritage Month. Associate Director of Tara Theatre, Gavin Joseph said, “Tara Theatre has long been a home that recognises and celebrates the rich history of the South Asian diaspora, it is in our DNA. Our commitment towards our community is at the forefront of who we are as an organisation, and we continually strive to showcase and provide space for South Asians locally and globally. This year to show our support for South Asian Heritage Month we are hosting Decolonise Choir, a global majority choir who will be leading a workshop for participants to learn songs, write one together as a collective and then perform with the choir at the end of the night. We will also be hosting Sudha Bhuchar and her show ‘Evening Conversations’, a show exploring the relationship between a mother and her Gen Z / Millennial sons across generational and cultural lines. We are proud of this celebration of our heritage and hope you can all come and revel in some much needed brown joy."
Exhibitions to see during South Asian Heritage Month 2024
Four Corners in Bethnal Green is presenting ‘I Am Who I Am Now: Selections from the Bengali Photo Archive,’ which highlights the everyday life of the Bengali community in London's East End. The Royal College of Music is hosting ‘Awaken: Sufi Music & Women of South Asia,’ curated by Attia Shiraz, exploring the origins and evolution of Sufi music and the role of female artists in breaking gender and cultural barriers. Hampton Court Palace features an exhibit on the Indian Army, revealing untold stories. At the Wallace Museum, ‘Ranjith Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King,’ curated by Davinder Toor, showcases the life of the Sikh leader Ranjit Singh through exquisite artworks, including jewellery and weaponry from the Sikh Empire. Finally, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence’ examines how India and Ghana embraced modernist architectural styles as symbols of progressiveness, moving away from colonial influences. The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is hosting a special Museum Late event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month. Taking place after hours, this event, in collaboration with TfL’s Raising Awareness of Culture and Ethnicity Colleague Network Group (RACE CNG), will offer a vibrant array of talks, workshops, crafts, and performances. Inspired by the experiences of Londoners and transport workers from South Asian communities, the evening promises to showcase the rich cultural contributions of these communities to the city’s history.
