South Asian Heritage Month is an internationally recognised month which runs from July 18 to August 17, and aims to celebrate all things surrounding South Asian culture through a number of events, parties and celebrations.
South Asia includes countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. South Asians make up 20 per cent of London’s population, and it’s safe to say that London loves to embrace South Asian culture, whether it’s through delicious food or through its vibrant music.
This year’s theme — Free to Be Me — is being interpreted through an lively collection of events. Whether it’s exclusive screenings or a mela (a fair, or festival), below are some of the most exciting events happening around the capital.
The Cinnamon Bazaar chaat challenge
Vivek Singh has launched the UK’s first chaat competitive eating challenge at his latest restaurant, Cinnamon Bazaar in Richmond. For £10 entry, pani puri lovers are invited to race against the clock and attempt to eat as many puris as they can in two minutes for a chance to win a year’s supply of chaat. The record currently stands at 40!
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until September 1, 31 Kew Road, TW9 2NQ, cinnamon-bazaar.com
Desi Lesbians: the Pioneering Women
Queer Britain has collaborated with South Asian Heritage Month and DIVA — the world's leading magazine for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people — to host a screening of the inspirational short documentary film, Discovering Kali, 25 years of the Legendary Club. Not only does the event celebrate the UK’s rich South Asian queer and LGBTQ scene, it will hear from pioneers in the scene such as DJ Ritu, who recently opened the South Asian dedicated stage Arrivals at Glastonbury, along with Anjum Mouj, Savi Hensman, and Rita Hirani. There will also be complimentary house chai served by Dishoom.
August 4, 2 Granary Square, N1C4BH, eventbrite.co.uk
Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King
This exhibition explores the life of the great Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839). Singh is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the Sikh Empire as he conquered the Punjab, following an intense period of anarchy caused by decades of Afghan invasions. He eventually emerged as the undisputed Maharaja, and this exhibition tells his story through 100 various stunning artworks. From jewellery to traditional weaponry, you’ll see an array of items used from the Sikh Empire, as Singh led his people into a golden age, marking the first time that these Sikh artworks are being displayed in London.
Until October 20, Wallace Collection, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN, wallacecollection.org
Camden Market celebrates South Asian Heritage Month
Camden Market is the go-to spot this month as they’ll be putting on a handful of celebrations centred around South Asian Heritage Month. Festivities kicked off with the Camden Mela earlier in the month, and there’s a Bollywood Festival from August 16-18 to celebrate the colourful elements of South Asian cinema and dance. Don’t forget to try out all the great South Asian food in the area, including the newly opened Bangladeshi restaurant Dhakaah, located in the market.
Until August 18, Camden Market, NW1 8AF, camdenmarket.com
South Asian Heritage Month at The Garden Cinema
The Garden Cinema will be showing 13 films, showcasing stories with a focus on music, female voices and queer stories. Expect screenings of Fawzia Mirza’s vibrant debut the Queen of My Dreams, from Pakistan, and Shuchi Talati’s Sundance-winning Girls Will Be Girls, from India.
Looking for some more action? Nida Manzoor’s feminist action comedy Polite Society will be also be screened along with an exclusive Q&A with its lead actor, Priya Kansara. On August 9 there will be a traditional sitar and tabla performance by Jonathan Mayer and Dhanraj Persaud, followed by a screening of the newly restored Shiraz: A Romance of India.
Until August 17, the Garden Cinema, WC2B 5PQ, lovecamden.org
Free To Be Me
This exhibition featured in the windows of UAL’s London College of Communication campus explores this year’s theme of South Asian Heritage Month, Free To Be Me, through various photographic pieces. The exhibition is curated by MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography student Sophia Nasif, and showcases work from various South Asian students at the university. The photographs will be on display to the public for the entirety of South Asian Heritage Month. Exhibiting artists include Bipanchy Hazarika, Ebrahim Piperdi, Helena Samarasinghe, Mihad Ali, Myra Naushahi, Pavan Singh Sidhu, Riyash Lughmani, Sashka Jones, Amrith Muhundan, and Simran Chana.
The Typo Café at the London College of Communication, SE1 6SB, arts-su.com
Under Our Mums Feet
This is the debut exhibition from the people behind the independent South Asian DominAsian Magazine. It is free for members of the public if you reserve tickets ahead of time. Following the topics explored in the third issue of the magazine, this exhibition takes audiences on a multii generational journey which pays homage to older South Asian generations. It will include a mixed media showcase of film, photography, paintings, installations and sculpture, all of which will explore South Asian experiences through art.
Artist and curator Rajesh Bhovan told us, “My practice feels like it exists for my parents and grandparents, and this exhibition has given me the opportunity to channel that. I think it’s very important for young South Asians to have a voice and show off their culture.”
Until September 14, Hypha Gallery, 6 Sugar House Ln, E15 2QS, eventbrite.co.uk
Exhibition: Echoes of India
This free photography exhibition by Shubham Sarvaiya is available to see throughout the whole of South Asian Heritage Month. The exhibition showcases over 10 years of work from Shubham’s travels across his homeland in India. It showcases the beauty and diversity of India through a series of 15 images, all of which explore the diverse subcontinent. The photos display the wonders from the most Northern states, right to the South of India, revealing the best of the country’s nature, architecture and bustling streets through the lens. The exhibition is free to all, and there is no booking necessary.
