Join us for South Asian Heritage Month as we celebrate the rich cultures, histories and communities of South Asia – including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. From Friday 18 July – Sunday 17 August 2025, we will be celebrating the deep and enduring connections between the UK and South Asian communities, recognising their vibrant contributions to British life.
The theme for this year, ‘Roots to Routes’, honors the journeys and experiences that have shaped South Asian identities across generations. It invites reflection on heritage, growth, and the evolving narratives of South Asians in the 21st century.
Redbridge Libraries is proud to be part of this national celebration with a lively programme of events and activities. Come along to learn, share and take part in an exciting exploration of South Asian culture and history. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate diversity, community and heritage with us! We look forward to welcoming you!
Celebrating in Redbridge Libraries
South Asian Life in Redbridge
Explore the history of Redbridge’s diverse modern South Asian communities in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
Friday 18 July to Sunday 17 August Redbridge Museum
11am to 5pm
Free
Suitable for all ages!
The East India Company and Redbridge
Uncover Redbridge’s 400 year old links to South Asia through the many local connections to The East India Company, in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum.
Friday 18 July to Sunday 17 August Redbridge Museum
11am to 5pm
Free
Suitable for all ages!
KALA UK – Yoga for Health
Start your morning with a gentle, interactive yoga session designed for all ages. This workshop introduces simple yoga postures that promote both physical health and emotional well-being.
Learn easy and safe yoga poses. Move and stretch together as a family. Discover how yoga supports calmness, focus, and balance. Create your own 10-minute daily yoga routine. No previous yoga experience required. Wear comfortable clothing.
Redbridge Central Library Saturday, 26 July
From 10.45am – 11.15am Children aged 6+, adults and families Free event, no need to book just turn up!
Presented by KALA, UK (Kerala Arts and Literature Association)
KALA UK – Sounds of Kerala
Take a musical journey through Kerala with this fun, hands-on workshop. Led by a musician from KALA, you’ll explore South Indian instruments, rhythms, and melodies in a session designed to entertain and inspire.
The session includes:
- Live demonstrations of traditional Kerala instruments.
- Call-and-response rhythm games.
- Discovering the music of temples and festivals.
- Joining in with clapping, singing, and movement.
No musical experience needed, just bring your energy and curiosity!
Redbridge Central Library Saturday, 26 July
From 11.30am – 12.30pm Children aged 6+, adults and families Free event no booking needed, just turn up!
Presented by KALA, UK (Kerala Arts and Literature Association)
Celebrating South Asia with Redbridge Outdoor Arts
Join Redbridge Outdoor Arts on Saturday, 26 July and Sunday, 27 July as they celebrate our local communities through dance, music, costume and performance as part of Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure’s South Asian Heritage Month celebrations.
Mini Kite Decorations
As part of the South Asian Heritage month and inspired by the culture and history of kite flying, join us to design and make your own mini kite decorations to take home.
No need to book, just drop in!
Saturday, 2 August Wanstead Library
2pm to 3pm
Ages 4+
Free.
Dance to Inspire
We’re thrilled to welcome Dance to Inspire UK to Redbridge Central Library for a vibrant afternoon of Bollywood Dance Workshops! Join us for one of two family-friendly sessions designed to get everyone moving, grooving, and smiling.
Monday 4 August Redbridge Central Library
Workshop 1: 2.00pm to 2.30pm Workshop 2: 2.45pm to 3:15pm
Free – (Booking Required)
ages 5 to 11 and adults – (all children participating must be accompanied by an adult)
South Asian Heritage Month Book Chat
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with our special book chat, an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and history of South Asia through literature. Discover new books, share the joy of reading and get inspired to try something new.
Featured Books:
– The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
– The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
– The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
You can join the book chat in-person at Redbridge Central Library, or you can join online.
If attending in-person, you can bring a drink in a covered cup. Biscuits will be provided.
Wednesday, 6 August
2pm to 3.15pm
In-person or online
Ages 16+
Free.
Typography Tile Making Workshop
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at Valentines Mansion with artist Bhavin Bhadresa.
In this fun hands-on creative workshop you’ll design bold, expressive artworks on wooden tiles using typography and drawing.
Using stencils, markers, and vibrant materials, you’ll explore how words and imagery shape identity, culture, and heritage.
Sunday, 10 August Valentines Mansion
3pm to 5pm
Ages 5+
Tickets are £3pp
Mindful Eating Session with Nitu Pasricha
Join us for an engaging, interactive session led by an AfN Registered Public Health Associate Nutritionist.
Explore how mindful eating can support a more sustainable future by reducing food waste!
Friday 15 August Redbridge Central Library 5pm to 6pm
Ages 16+
Free.
Carrom! with Redbridge Museum
Come along and play a game of carrom with Redbridge Museum for South Asian Heritage Month!
No need to book, just drop in!
Wednesday 27 August Redbridge Heritage Centre
12pm to 4pm
Ages 7+
Free.
Arts and Crafts in Redbridge Libraries
Leisure Events
Around South Asia Fitness – Ashtanga Yoga Meditation (India)
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional and original form of Yoga. A dynamic form of Yoga, a series of poses performed in quick succesion, combined with controlled breathing.
Saturday 2 August
Fullwell Cross Library 10:30am to 11:30am
Sessions will be £7.50 per class – please book via the Vision RCL app (click the three lines on the top left corner < my clubs < Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre < 02/08/2025).
For more information about South Asian Heritage Month and details of additional events, please check the following website: South Asian Heritage website