The heritage, identities, and culture of the borough’s South Asian communities will be celebrated, as part of a programme of activities supported by Tower Hamlets Council to mark South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) which runs until 17 August.
South Asia is made up of eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
People of South Asian heritage make up a significant part of the Tower Hamlets population, with the borough’s Bangladeshi-born population alone being the largest in England and Wales, both in absolute numbers and as a proportion of the population, according to 2021 census data.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “We are proud to celebrate the many diverse communities we have here in Tower Hamlets.
“South Asian Heritage Month gives people of all backgrounds an opportunity to celebrate South Asian cultures, and histories as well as learn more about the diverse heritage of the South Asian countries and their links with the UK.”
Now in its fifth year, the theme for SAHM 2024 is ‘Free to be me’.
There are events taking place in Tower Hamlets including an art installation, heritage walk, panel discussions, film screenings, music performances and more.
Cllr Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “I am delighted that Tower Hamlets Council is playing a key role in supporting and promoting a series of events across the borough to celebrate the abundance of South Asian culture, arts, history and heritage.”
Full listings and details of the SAHM events programme are on the events page of the council website
Posted on Thursday 1st August 2024