South Asian Heritage Month 2023
18 July to 17 August 2023
South Asian Heritage Month is a month dedicated to celebrating South Asian communities and culture all around the world. This year's theme is Stories to Tell.
We are proud to be a diverse borough where people from all different communities thrive and we want to emphasise our commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout the borough.
As part of this, Barnet Council will be celebrating South Asian Heritage Month in partnership with our community groups by hosting and providing funding for a series of community events.
Read about the flag raising event that took place on Tuesday 18 July to mark the start of South Asian Heritage Month.
View the national South Asian Heritage Month website.
What's on?
Echoes of South Asian Heritage: Tales Unveiled
Monday 24 July 2023, 3.30pm at artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA
We will explore different forms of storytelling from film and interview to music and dance.
Award winning documentary filmmaker David Fenton will screen ‘Home Is’. A timely and intimate portrait of local community group, Barnet Asian Women’s Association (BAWA). The short film considers the long-term impacts of forced migration to and settlement in the UK and the balancing act between acceptance and cultural heritage.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of traditional Gujarati singer, engage in a Q&A with David and BAWA's Chair Neena Patel and be mesmerised by Bollywood dance.
Find out more about Tales Unveiled
Community Cricket Tournament
Sunday 30 July 2023, 11am to 5pm at Mill Hill Village Sports Club, Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 1AS
In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month we will be hosting a community cricket tournament – reflecting on the theme for the year, "Stories to Tell".
Whilst Cricket was brought to South Asia, it is a sport that is enjoyed across all the countries, generations and people that live in South Asia and the diaspora. Cricket is a unifying factor in the fabric and narrative of these communities, so join us in spotlighting and celebrating these stories.
Creative Communities: Art of Wearing a Saree
Wednesday 16 August, 6pm to 7pm at Hendon Library (Ages 15+)
Have you ever wanted to wear a saree and didn't know how? Come and join us and try one now! To reserve a place, please email hendon.library@barnet.gov.uk
Creative Communities: Classical Indian Music with Jay Pinara
Thursday 17 August, 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Colindale Library
Step into a world of enchantment as musician Jay Pinara showcases his extraordinary musical prowess on the sitar. His mastery of the sitar has captivated audiences worldwide, leaving them spellbound by the resonant and soul-stirring melodies he weaves. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Indian classical music as Jay's nimble fingers dance across the strings, invoking a sense of tranquillity and wonder. Join Jay on an unforgettable musical journey at Colindale Library as he transports you to a world of serenity, inspiration and artistic brilliance. To reserve a place, please email colindale.library@barnet.gov.uk