South Asian Heritage Month
South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration that takes place in the UK from July 18th to August 17th. South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year. SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
The month begins on 18th July, the date that the Indian Independence Act 1947 gained royal assent from King George VI, and ends on the 17th August, the date that the Radcliffe Line was published in 1947, which finally set out where the border between India, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) would be.
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 ambiance 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.
The Main theme of SAHM 2025 is ‘Roots to Routes’ but there are a number of sub-themes associated with SAHM 2025 including the following;
Heritage & Tradition: Explore the traditions, languages, customs, and rituals that have travelled through generations, grounding your identity and shaping your family and community.
Identity & Belonging: Discuss how your roots and routes influence your sense of belonging and identity. What does it mean to carry multiple cultural identities, and how do they enrich your life?
Legacy & Future Generations: Reflect on how your personal or family history impacts future generations. How do you pass on cultural values, lessons, and traditions?
Connection & Community: Celebrate the ways South Asian communities in the UK build connections through shared heritage, creating vibrant, supportive, and resilient spaces.
Routes of Influence: Highlight influential figures from South Asian communities whose journeys have significantly impacted society, culture, politics, arts, and sciences.
How to Get Involved
Share Your Journey: Tell your story through blogs, photography, cooking, performing arts, poetry, or video. Submit your content directly to our website or share via social media by tagging us.
Attend Events: Join community events, exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Connect, learn, and celebrate our shared heritage together.
Engage & Connect: Participate in forums and social gatherings, exchanging stories and experiences. Build meaningful connections that bridge generations and communities.
Social Media: Share your journey using hashtags #RootsToRoutes#SouthAsianHeritageMonth and #wearebrig. Engage with our online community and amplify your voice and experiences.
Please get in touch with us via our email info@wearebrig.co.uk or via our social media (Facebook: Birmingham Race Impact group/ Instagram: @wearebrig) to share any South Asian History Month 2025 event listings for our July newsletter and keep an eye out for events that BRIG will be hosting over the month.