News / South Asian Heritage Month
Bristol unites to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month
Families from Bristol’s South Asian community united for a joyous celebration of culture and identity at the M Shed.
On Saturday afternoon, a line of stalls were set up inside the Harbouview Suite of the museum, with room filling up gradually with Bristol-based Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi and Nepalese.
From jewellery and traditional clothing to mouth-watering snacks, mocktails and artefacts: there was something for everyone to explore at this day-long celebration of the South Asian Heritage Month.
A selfie booth with decorated umbrellas and a colourful background was set up for visitors
As children scribbled henna designs onto printed drawings of hands, adults sat eager to witness the series of performances planned for the event.
The event kicked off with a welcome speech from the organising team, followed by poetry, folk dances and a special song to mark the festival of Janmashtami, also celebrated on Saturday.
Senior members of Bristol’s Sikh Community displayed photographs of the many memorable and defining moments from over the years, alongside a binder taking visitors through the details of the Sikh Memorial in Castle Park.
The first of its kind event is seen as a powerful way of celebrating the many South Asians who have “enriched Britain and played a vital role in shaping our city”.
South Asian Heritage Month was first celebrated in August 2020 and has ever since united people across the country to participate in rejoicing their cultural heritage.
All photos: Karen Johnson
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