Wandsworth celebrates South Asian Heritage Month

As Wandsworth gears up to become London Borough of Culture 2025, it will celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with a programme of events.

South Asian Heritage Month runs from July 18 and celebrates the cultures, histories and contributions of South Asian communities with roots in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Deputy Council Leader Kemi Akinola said: “As we build towards Wandsworth's year as London Borough of Culture, we are committed to ensuring that diverse voices are at the heart of the programmes we build, and the opportunities we offer.

“We’re delighted to support a programme of activities and events that share the stories and experiences of people of South Asian heritage connected to Wandsworth and encourage everyone to attend an event.”

Wandsworth Council has funded five new South Asian-led cultural projects to encourage residents of South Asian heritage to engage with culture that is meaningful and relevant to them, and to allow the wider community to better understand and be inspired by the histories of fellow residents.

These are:

• Evening Conversation and more. Local writer and actor Sudha Bhuchar will host Conversation Circles with community groups which will culminate in a free performance at Tara Theatre.
• Anusthan is a celebration of Indian classic dance from Pagrav Dance.
• The Arty Crafty Crescent Club at Cromwell House Community Hub will explore, create and celebrate South Asian culture.
• The Sri Lankan Culture Collective are curating a digital programme of activity, followed by a one-day community festival in September.
• Decolonise Choir present an evening of collective singing at Tara Theatre

See full details at Wandsworth celebrates South Asian Heritage Month 2024 - Wandsworth Art.

There will be displays in borough libraries, with a free event in Balham Library on July 20 from 2pm-4pm. This will feature exhibitions, henna designs, food and stalls. Just turn up.

And The Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Sana Jafri, will hold a reception for key members of the South Asian community who have made a positive contribution to the borough, including in the arts, business and voluntary sectors. The Mayor is of South Asian heritage herself and is Wandsworth’s first-ever British Pakistani Mayor.