Explained | What is South-Asian Heritage Month? Everything you need to know so far

By Jordan Maharjan

What is South Asian Heritage Month?

Over a cup of chai in 2018, the seeds for South Asian Heritage Month were sown with a clear goal in mind: to celebrate all things South Asian. Binita Kane, a Manchester-based physician, and Jasvir Singh, a prominent campaigner in the community co-founded, organised and launched the inaugural South Asian Heritage Month at the House of Commons in 2019. It was backed by founding patron, Anita Rami.

South Asian Heritage Month co-founder Jasvir Singh

Besides celebrating South Asian heritage, the month aims to profile overlooked aspects of British South Asian history. It’s hoped that in doing so, a better understanding of the diversity of South Asian identity in the UK and all it entails will be made clear. 

South Asian Heritage Month is about reclaiming the history and identity of British South Asians. People need to be able to tell their own stories.

Jasvir Singh

From the decolonisation period of the Indian Sub-Continent, immigration from the region has brought swathes of rich South Asian culture, which has influenced all parts of British life from food, clothes, music and even vernacular. 

Individuals from South-Asian backgrounds make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, accounting for one in 20 people in the country. While the month encourages us to explore the interconnectedness of Britain and South Asian culture, it is done to make sure we can engage with the culture from a place of insight and sincerity long after the month has passed.

When does it start and end?

South Asian Heritage Month spans from 18 July to 17 August. While this may seem unusual, the date was deliberately chosen to maximise its appeal.

During the month, several dates are overlapping with celebrations crucial to South Asian identity.

• 26 July - Maldives Independence Day 
• 8 August - Bhutan Independence Day 
• 14 August - Pakistani Independence Day 
• 15 August - Indian Independence Day

South Asian Heritage Month closely aligns with the South Asian Month of Saravan/Sawan whereby the region’s habitat goes under renewal thanks to the monsoon season. 

What have celebrations looked like so far?

The end of July brought several noteworthy events. A Native Flowers Master House exhibition on 28 July featured a collection of literary shorts with vintage photos honouring the stories of South Asian emigration from generations passed. Open Mind Safe Spaces were held for LGBTQ+ South Asians on 29 July to connect and support one another. Organised games of community cricket (30 July) and an interactive DJ set chronicling the history of British Asian music (31 July) were two other events rounding off the first half of celebrations. With more than a fortnight to go, there's a raft of celebrations to look forward to this South Asian Heritage Month. 

.....................................................................................................................

A call to action...

For nearly 25 years OBV have fought to ensure 'Black and minority ethnic' participation and representation in civic society. Efforts in continuing to do so though, relies on your help. That way we can continue this fight for greater race equality. What would give us a tremendous boost is if today, you made that small donation yourselves, but even more importantly if you encouraged others to do likewise.