South Asian Heritage Month 2026
South Asian Heritage Month 2026
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Vision Redbridge Throughout July
Join us for South Asian Heritage Month as we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and communities of South Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
This month-long celebration highlights the deep and enduring connections between the UK and South Asian communities, recognising their vibrant contributions to British life.
The theme for 2026 is “Unity in Diversity”, highlighting the extraordinary breadth of South Asian communities across eight countries, hundreds of languages, multiple faiths, and millennia of shared and distinct histories. The theme encourages exploring shared values, intertwined histories, and a commitment to community while celebrating the richness that diversity brings.
Redbridge Libraries is proud to be part of this national celebration with a lively programme of events and activities. SAHM provides an opportunity for everyone, not just those of South Asian heritage, to learn, engage, and appreciate these cultures and histories.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate diversity, community, and heritage with us!
We look forward to welcoming you!
ROOTS TO RISE by Nandita Shankardass
Date: Saturday 25 July
Time: 11:00 – 14:40, 14:00 – 14:40
Location: Ken Aston Square
Date: Sunday 26 July
Time: 13:00 – 13:40, 15:00 – 15:40
Location: Outside Town Hall
In her new dance theatre work, Roots to Rise, Nandita Shankardass brings together three women, each absorbed in the chaos of their own world. Blending folk and contemporary movement with Indian classical dance, this new work follows their journey back to the land, the soil, and the stories written in the stars.
Choogh Choogh by Beeja
Date: 18 July
Times:
12:00 – 12:25 followed by a 20 min stay & play
14:00 – 14:25
Please note: Times may be subject to change on the day
Location: Outside Redbridge Central Library (weather dependant)
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India!
Experience the sights, sounds and smells evoked through South Asian dance, music and theatre; and meet some amazing characters along the way. Choogh Choogh is inspired by the joy of travelling through India on a train – starting with a special choog choog ticket!
Through song and dance, find out just how much we can see and imagine together as the train chooghs chooghs on…
Drop-in, free
For ages 0-7
South Asian Heritage Month Heritage Trail
Date: Throughout July
Time: During library opening hours
Location: Redbridge Central Library, Children’s Library
Come along, learn about the rich heritage and landmarks of South Asia, and see how many correct matches you can make. Complete the trail and receive a certificate!
Hardbackers South Asian Heritage Month Book Chat
Date: Wednesday 1 July
Time: 14:00 – 15:15
Location: Redbridge Central Library Foyer / Online via Teams
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with our special book chat, an opportunity to explore the rich heritage and history of South Asia through literature. If you love reading and discussing books, this is the perfect event for you!
We’ll be reading and discussing some books from the South Asian Heritage Month 2025 booklist:
- Anita Rani – The Right Sort of Girl
- Jaspreet Kaur – Brown Girl Like Me
- Sadia Azmat – Sex Bomb
- Shrabani Basu – Mystery of the Parsee Lawyer
If you are unable to read one of these books, then please read a memoir written by a South Asian author. The book chat conversation can include other books as we are eager to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Mandala Art for Mindfulness
Date: 3 July
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Lab Central
Mandalas have a rich history in South Asia, particularly in the context of Buddhism. They are symmetrical circular forms that can symbolise the structure of the cosmos and spiritual journeys.
Join us for a fun, free session where you’ll explore these geometric patterns.
We will create mandala patterns using cross stitch and creative colouring.
Crafting is a brilliant way to unwind, reduce stress, and keep your brain engaged.
All materials will be provided – just bring your imagination!
Free, suitable for ages 16+
Our Heritage, Our Strength - Celebrating Healthy Ageing Through South Asian Culture
Date: 15 July
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – First Floor Non-Fiction Area
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop that brings together younger and older generations to celebrate South Asian heritage and explore the importance of healthy ageing. Through storytelling, discussion and creative activities, participants will share experiences, reflect on cultural traditions and values, and learn from one another in a welcoming and supportive environment.
This workshop is hosted by EMAGE CIC.
Free, suitable for ages 16+
Advance booking is recommended to guarantee a space
Lotus Flower Paper Craft
Date: 25 July
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Children’s Library
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month by creating a lotus flower, a symbol of beauty, resilience and cultural significance across South Asia.
Free, spaces limited, suitable for under 12s
SAHM Crafts at Goodmayes
Date: 25 July
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: Goodmayes Library
Join our Crafts and create your own masterpiece using your imagination and creativity!
Have fun with colors, shapes, and exciting craft projects while making something truly special.
Free activity for Kids.
SAHM Crafts at Keith Axon Centre
Date: 25 July
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: Keith Axon Centre
Join our Crafts and create your own masterpiece using your imagination and creativity!
Have fun with colors, shapes, and exciting craft projects while making something truly special.
Free activity for Kids.
Creative Movement Family Workshop : Roots to Rise
Date: 26 July
Time: 12:00 – 12:45
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Children’s Library
Join the choreographer of Roots to Rise, Nandita Shankardass, for a free pre-show dance workshop inspired by the themes of the show taking place on Ilford High Street.
Discover how dance can encourage you to connect, create, and bloom!
Free, spaces limited, suitable for children 5yrs+ and their families.
SAHM crafts at Seven Kings Library
Date: 26 July
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Children’s Library
Join the choreographer of Roots to Rise, Nandita Shankardass, for a free pre-show dance workshop inspired by the themes of the show taking place on Ilford High Street.
Discover how dance can encourage you to connect, create, and bloom!
Free, spaces limited, suitable for children 5yrs+ and their families.
Storytellers Creative Writing Club – Special Launch with Shelina Janmohamed
Date: 27 July
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Children’s Library
Join our children’s creative writing club where you can have a go at writing your own stories, creating cool characters and having fun along the way.
To launch this weekly group we have special guest Shelina Janmohamed joining us with a South Asian Heritage Month themed workshop to leave you inspired!
Free, spaces limited, suitable for children 8-12yrs
Threads of Home VR Experience
Date: 28 July
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: Fullwell Cross Library – Lab FX
Date: 31 July
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Lab Central
Developed by London College of Fashion students in collaboration with Newham’s South Asian communities, this powerful VR film explores culture, identity and belonging through a sensory journey of sounds, textures and stories of home.
Free drop-in. First-come, first-served.
Suitable for ages 12+
Carrom! with Redbridge Museum
Date: 28 July
Time: 12:00 – 16:00
Location: Redbridge Heritage Centre
Come along and play a game of carrom with Redbridge Museum for South Asian Heritage Month!
Free family fun, best for ages 6+
Rapid Reads Sharing Circle
Date: 28 July
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Location: Redbridge Central Library – Lab Central / Online via Teams
Love reading and discussing books? Then join our Rapid Reads Sharing Circle to discuss a short read for South Asian Heritage Month!
We’ll be discussing the following Quick Reads:
- The Motive by Khurrum Rahman
- Sofia Khan and the Baby Blues by Ayisha Malik
Prefer a different book? Choose any South Asian-themed book under 200 pages to discuss and recommend.
The Twirly Wiggly Dance – Author Event with Farrah Riaz
Date: 31 July
Time: 11:30 – 12:20
Location: Goodmayes Library
Ready to find your own groove? Join author Farrah Riaz for a lively, interactive reading of her picture book The Twirly Wiggly Dance, with lots of storytelling – and plenty of twirling and wiggling!
Free, Suitable for children 3yrs+ and their families
Healthy and Active Ageing: Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Contribution
Date: 5 August
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Location: Redbridge Central Library
Join EMAGE CIC for the final session of their Living Well, Ageing Well programme of workshops designed for adults aged 50 and over from diverse communities who would like to maintain their well-being, build connections and gain practical knowledge to support positive ageing.
This final workshop will consider healthy and active ageing, encouraging older people to thrive, share their knowledge, and continue making a positive difference to their families, communities and society.
Virtual Library
Vision Redbridge also invites you to discover the heritage, history and culture of South Asia using our social media platforms and online services.
Our Virtual Library gives library members access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines plus a wealth of information. All you need to do is search in your chosen platform for a treasury of reading and listening materials. Find out more here for the virtual library at your fingertips and how to sign up!
Libby offers a selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks to read during South Asian Heritage Month and beyond to explore the history, culture and literature of South Asia.
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