South Asian Heritage Month
Published on 05 August 2025 10:28 AM
Molly Beckett - Communications Volunteer
South Asian London Heritage Month (July 18th to August 17th) commemorates and celebrates the diverse and rich roots of South Asian Communities in Britain. This year's theme is ‘Roots to Routes’ which focuses on celebrating and exploring the journey of ancestors to people today through connection and culture.
In East London, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham are marking the month with a range of events. So whether you want to attend a Henna workshop, learn about the South Asian Communities growth in East London or get your body moving in a Bollywood dance workshop there is an event to fit you.
Most events are free, however some require tickets, which you can sign up for on the links provided. Scroll down to see some highlights for each borough.
Tower Hamlets
Saroj Patel Art Installation:
An art installation at Canary Wharf by Saroj Patel depicts the duality of her heritage as a second-generation British Indian using hand-sewn flags to create a colourful mural.
No ticket required.
When: Now until 17th August
Where: Crossrail Place Roof Gardens, E14 5AB
Udichi Future Stars Celebration by Udichi Shilpi Goshti UK
A Celebration of Udichi School of Performing Arts current and ex-students. This event showcases performances by British Bengali children with more than 30 performers. All are welcome to attend.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/udichi-future-stars-celebration-by-udichi-shilpi-goshti-uk-tickets-1412701822179?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Sunday 3rd August 18:30 - 20:00
Where: Brady Arts & Community Centre 192-196 Hanbury St E1 5HU
East London Bengali Heritage Walk
This heritage walk covers the south of Commercial Road, an exploration of the untold stories and rich history of the Bengali community in this vibrant area. Looks at pivotal sites of political activism, cultural activities that united the community, and Bengali immigration to east London.
Tickets are £10. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-london-bengali-heritage-walk-by-swadhinata-trust-tickets-1411079620129?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Sunday 10th August 18:30-19:00 (90-minute walk)
Where: Meeting Point - Altab Ali Park, Adler Street E1
Hackney
Family Workshop - Henna
Learn Simple Henna designs in this workshop for all ages.
Please just turn up, no ticket required.
When: Monday 4th August 11:00 - 12:30
Where: Hackney Central Library, Reading Lane, London, E8
Family Workshop: Language Wall
Contribute to our collaborative language wall- write your name, what it means, and where it comes from to help build a beautiful display of multicultural names.
Please just turn up, no ticket required.
When: Tuesday 5th August 15:00 - 17:00
Where: Hackney Central Library, Reading Lane, London, E8
Migration maps
Add your story to collaborative migration map - mark where your ancestors came from and where they are now and make a flag.
Please Just turn up, no ticket required.
When: Saturday 16th August 15:00 - 16:30
Where: Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, London, E8 3BQ
Newham
Risograph Induction Workshop
A friendly induction workshop allowing participants to collage and print their own two-colour Risograph prints and take home 5 free copies of your work.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/risograph-induction-workshop-tickets-1464423874229?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Saturday 9th August, 14:00 - 16:30
Where: Rabbits Road Press, Old Manor Park Library, 835 Romford RD, E12 5JY
‘Free To Be Me’ Film Screening
A celebration and screening of 'Free to be me' a film which captures stories of South Asian elders who migrated to Britain.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-to-be-me-film-screening-tickets-1464175200439?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Wednesday 13th August 1200 – 14:00
Where: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, E15 1EL
Bollywood Dance on the Deck
Led by Sadler's Wells this is a vibrant Bollywood dance workshop for all ages. There are 45-minute time slots through the afternoon.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bollywood-dance-on-the-deck-tickets-1477921997479?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&keep_tld=1
When: Saturday 16th August 11:00 - 15:00
Where: Dialogue Express Cafe 96 Gibbins Rd e15 2HU
South Asian Stories from World War Two
Join a conversation marking 80 years since the end of World War Two. Shrabani Basu, Dr Diya Gupta and Rav Singh will share overlooked accounts of South Asian people’s contributions, sacrifices, and experiences during World War Two.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-asian-stories-from-world-war-two-tickets-1464293775099?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Saturday 23rd August 14:00 - 19:30
Where: Stratford Library, 3 The Grove, E15 1EL
Threads of Home: A day of Drawing, Storytelling and Culture
A series of free, one-day creative workshops celebrating South Asian culture through drawing, storytelling, and collaborative artmaking. Lunch is provided and artworks created will contribute to a VR film premiering in Newham Libraries this November.
Book your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/threads-of-home-a-day-of-drawing-storytelling-culture-tickets-1502615696999?aff=oddtdtcreator
When: Thursday 21 August 10:30 – 15:00
Where: Manor Park Library, 685-693 Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5AD
Elsewhere in London
Bollywood Mela Weekend (Camden)
A vibrant celebration, including dance performances, live music, delicious food, henna, and face painting. Great for families for a fun day out.
Book your free ticket here: Bollywood Mela Weekend | Camden Market
Where: Saturday 9 August – Sunday 10th August 13:00 – 18:30
Where: Camden Market Hawley Wharf, Market Place
Block Printing with Neera Sehgal at the V&A (South Kensington)
Have a go at creating artwork using woodblocks, led by printmaker Neera Sehgal. They recommend you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy.
Event is free and drop-in, but spaces are limited.
When: Wednesday 30th July – Thursday 31st July 11:00 – 16:00
Where: John Madejeski Garden, V&A South Kensignton, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL