About
South Asian Heritage Month is a time for us to celebrate the rich histories and identities of people of South Asian heritage within Manchester and across the UK. The month provides us with a time to reflect on the key aspects of history within South Asia, including within Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; The Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as to celebrate the many accomplishments of inspirational British figures who identify with one of these nationalities as part of their heritage.
SAHM founding patron, Anita Rani, said "South Asian Heritage Month is about the next generation of kids growing up in the UK and for them to be able to feel empowered in their identity and proud of who they are", encompassing the purpose and values at SAHM’s heart –celebration, commemoration and education. People of South Asian heritage make up a significant portion of the British population with roughly 4.5 million people holding heritage from the region.
The dates of SAHM are significant, ending on the anniversary of Partition and Indian independence, whereby British India split into the states of India and Pakistan, of which East Pakistan has since been become Bangladesh. The importance of Partition, as a central piece of history within South Asia, within SAHM is signified in the large amount of migration to the UK after the event took place. Similarly, movement to the UK from South Asia was particularly prevalent following the Second World War, resulting in a large population across the UK of South Asian heritage, a culture and lived experience of its own that needs to be highlighted and celebrated, putting focus of South Asians in the UK both past and present.
This year’s theme
This year South Asian Heritage Month are celebrating their five year anniversary, of which the theme is ‘Free to be Me’, encouraging South Asian people to share their individual and community stories that make them who they are. The theme is centred around expression and showcasing identity without shame. It highlights how people may not always feel as though they can be themselves fully, providing a safe space for people to express themselves, whether publicly or privately, and celebrate the nuances of their South Asian identity and culture. Expression of the self can be done in many creative ways, many of which SAHM events and activities aim to incorporate, including through food, art, music or fashion. The theme also encourages people to explore the sense of community that is strengthened through aspects of South Asian heritage and unity. The SAHM website suggests some key themes for those looking to take part to explore, such as identity, community, gender, faith, family, life choices and positive impacts.
Find out more about this year’s theme, ‘Free to be Me’, on the South Asian Heritage Month website.
Focus days:
The dates of South Asian heritage focus days can be found below, where you may wish to join in or hold your own celebrations for your South Asian heritage and community.
Bhutan – 20th July
India – 21st July
Maldives – 27th July
Sri Lanka – 28th July
Afghanistan – 2nd Aug
Bangladesh – 3rd Aug
Nepal – 10th Aug
Pakistan – 11th Aug
Focus days continued:
Intersections of South Asian identity with that of additional forms of minoritisation can make individual experiences differ and often amplify the extent to which marginalisation is experienced by someone. SAHM 2024 aim to put focus on these intersections by holding Focus Fridays throughout the month.
LGBTQ+ Pride – 19th July
Multi Heritage – 26th July
Dis/ability – 2nd Aug
Cross-gen understanding – 9th Aug
Below is some information about South Asian prominent figures in Manchester, SAHM events taking place across the city, information about local organisations and charities and further reading lists. Click the images below to find out more.
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