July 18, 2024
It’s South Asian Heritage Month!
Let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of South Asian communities in the UK! This month, we’re diving into the vibrant tapestry of South Asian cultures, customs, languages, and histories. The iProovers connect over their heritage and share insights from the languages they speak to their favorite traditions.
What’s your favorite thing about having a South Asian heritage?
Simren
My very unique identity and ancestral history which I carry around every day.
Amitabh
South Asia, and especially India, has always been a melting pot of traditions, customs, and people – there is hardly another place in the world that’s as diverse.
Nikhil
The food! Asian food, especially Indian cuisine, is incredibly diverse with many flavors from various regions. You can never get bored of all the tasty varieties.
Trupti
Food! We never call it spicy, instead it’s flavourful. If you want more than 500 types of street foods all bursting with flavour, you know where to go.
Sanaa
The food, the culture, the countries with stunning sceneries
Chinmay
One of my favorite aspects of having an Indian heritage is the incredibly rich and diverse culture. South Asia is a tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs that have been passed down through generations. Celebrating festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas provides a deep sense of community and belonging. These festivals are not just about rituals; they’re vibrant expressions of our history, values, and shared joy.
Parvathi
I am from a southern region of India; both Malayali and Tamilian – which makes me lucky as I get to experience both communities.
My favourite thing is our deep-rooted values in education, independence, and self-sufficiency. My community encouraged the education of young girls, and my parents would tell me my dreams were as valid as my brothers. Growing up I had to take responsibility for my chores which helped foster a sense of discipline.
I’m also an absolute foodie! One of my most vivid childhood memories is the kaleidoscope of flavors in our kitchen, from mild dal to fiery curries. It taught me to appreciate and try new cuisines. ~
The blend of encouragement, culinary diversity, and life skills has not only enriched my life but prepared me to face the world with resilience and grace. My South Asian heritage is a source of endless inspiration, guiding me to be the best version of myself.
Do you have any favorite traditions/customs?
Simren
Diwali & Vaisakhi are very dear to my heart. I have looked forward to celebrating those auspicious occasions with my family throughout my childhood, and I now share these traditions with my son.
Amitabh
I enjoy the celebration of festivals with the whole community and family, such as Holi and Diwali.
Safaa
I love the wedding traditions. In particular, I am a big fan of mehndi parties (a pre-wedding celebration for the bride). Everyone wears beautiful bright colours and we apply henna on our hands. It’s a lovely day filled with singing, dancing, and celebrating the bride-to-be.
Trupti
I am not traditional at all. But whenever I go to India I like to watch my parents following all traditions while I sit in a corner and eat!
Qasim
I like the fashion there – kamees (a long shirt), shalwar (very comfortable bottoms that are stylish too).
What’s your favorite South Asian dish?
Neishka
I love home-cooked food, so dal rice and raita or rajma chawal are my go-to. They’re super popular and staple dishes in India.
Amitabh
Indo-Chinese cuisine: Chinese cuisine with an Indian twist. The best can be found in India. A specific dish would be chili garlic noodles from Kolkata, India.
Safaa
Chicken or lamb biryani! I love spicy food so anything with a kick is a winner for me!
Nikhil
Indian-style tandoori lamb chops.
Trupti
Loads! My comfort food, which I can eat all the time, is a hot lentil soup with a little bit of rice on the side. In the UK I enjoy it even more in winter (which is almost always!).
Sanaa
Seekh Kebabs, Naan, Dosa
Chinmay
My favorite Indian dish is Gulab Jamun. These delicious, soft, and spongy milk-based sweets soaked in fragrant sugar syrup are a delightful treat. Gulab Jamuns are typically enjoyed during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings, making them a symbol of joy and togetherness. For me, Gulab Jamun not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also evokes fond memories of special occasions and the warmth of home.
Parvathi
My favorite South Asian dish is undoubtedly dosa, a beloved staple of South Indian cuisine. It’s a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and a lentil (black gram). It’s easy to cook, light, delicious, and incredibly versatile; you can it at any meal and accompanied with anything from coconut or tangy tomato chutney to chocolate!
Dosa has ancient origins, dating back to the 1st century AD in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian State. Over centuries, it has evolved and spread across India, becoming a symbol of South Indian culinary heritage, and today, it enjoys global recognition.
Do you speak a South Asian language? (most people don’t know how many languages there are).
Sikander
I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to communicate in several languages and dialects that are common in Pakistan. My journey with languages started with my mother tongue, Pashto, which originates from the northwestern region of Pakistan. But it doesn’t stop there! I’m also fluent in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. One of the interesting perks of knowing Urdu is its close resemblance to Hindi, allowing Urdu speakers to understand a significant portion of Hindi and fostering a cultural connection between Pakistan and India. On top of that, I’ve also acquired basic proficiency in Punjabi, a vibrant language spoken across both Pakistan and India. This linguistic diversity doesn’t just enhance my communication skills, it also gives me a deeper understanding and appreciation of our region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Neishka
I speak Hindi.
Simren
I speak Punjabi, Hindi & Urdu. As similar as they are, I know the differences in gender, dialect, and pronunciation.
Amitabh
I can speak Hindi.
Canasta
I learned Konkani as a child, a Goan language. Whilst my family are Goan, they were not born there – they were brought up in Nairobi, Kenya.
Trupti
I speak Konkani with my parents and extended family. I can also speak Marathi because I was born in a Marathi-speaking state, as well as the national language: Hindi.
Chinmay
India is incredibly linguistically diverse, with hundreds of languages across different regions. Marathi is my native tongue, which is the language spoken in the state of Maharashtra in India. Additionally, I can speak Hindi, which is widely spoken and one of the national languages of India.
Qasim
I speak Urdu and Punjabi. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and while it is very similar to Hindi, it was heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic in its origin. Punjabi is spoken in Punjab in both countries; Pakistan and India.
How has your heritage influenced you throughout your life so far?
Nikhil
My parents, and the Indian culture, have influenced me to do well in education and continually learn to better myself, whether that’s your work, investments, property, or travel. I’m also inspired to give back and do charitable favours to help communities and those less fortunate.
Trupti
We are very talented in speaking impromptu and switching between languages. I’ll be speaking with my parents in Konkani about one thing and then talking in Marathi with my neighbour about something completely different.
Chinmay
My Indian heritage has profoundly influenced my life. The strong emphasis on family values has instilled a deep sense of respect and responsibility towards my loved ones.
Celebrating diverse festivals and traditions provided a broad perspective on cultural diversity and inclusiveness.
The rich culinary traditions have fostered my love for food and cooking and encouraged me to explore new cuisines.
Yoga and meditation, rooted in Indian traditions, have played a significant role in my life. These practices have helped me maintain physical well-being and mental clarity, providing tools to manage stress and stay centered.
What challenges have you faced balancing your South Asian heritage with other aspects of your identity?
Safaa
Growing up, I struggled to feel connected to my heritage. Since my parents lived in the UK all their lives, we didn’t speak Urdu or Punjabi at home, so I never really grasped the languages. It was challenging to identify with a culture I couldn’t fully communicate with, especially since I had never been to Pakistan. Over time, through building friendships within the community, I’ve developed a much stronger connection and appreciation for my heritage.
Trupti
I didn’t find any challenges. We are brought up with so many people around us all the time, we know how to blend with any culture across the world.
Sanaa
It’s hard to fit in a certain tick box. I grew up without some of the traditions of South Asian heritage due to my mixed background.
Is there a South Asian artist you love?
Amitabh
Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Ayushmaan Khurana, and a few more.
Trupti
I like AR Rahman, not just for his music, but also for the way he has been dedicated to his work since a very young age.
Qasim
Diljit Dosanjh is a popular Punjabi artist known for his energetic Bhangra music and acting both in Punjabi and Bollywood films.
What advice would you give to young South Asians navigating their identity?
Neishka
Being South Asian, there’s a lot of family pressure, despite this, you should pursue what you’re passionate about without worrying about judgment. Be open with your parents and help them see your passions from your perspective. They want us to be happy and successful, but sometimes you need to bridge the gap in understanding.
Living in the UK, what do you miss the most about South Asia?
Sikander
I miss my family, friends, and the incredible food. I feel this the most on special occasions like Eid, Ramadan, and weddings. It can be difficult living far from home and attending events through WhatsApp calls. I even experienced my engagement over a video call because I couldn’t travel back home. Above all, it’s the love and warmth of my home country that I miss the most.
Neishka
I miss the food, my friends, and my family. I especially miss those weekends when we all get together to enjoy amazing food and great conversations.
Simren
My elder family members, the weather my body is accustomed to, and my home.
Amitabh
I miss being able to celebrate the festivals with as much fervour as they do in India.
Trupti
I don’t think I miss a lot of anything. My mum calls me every day.
Why is it important to recognize and celebrate South Asian Heritage Month?
Neishka
It’s always nice to learn about different cultures. There are so many festivals and traditions across South Asia that would surprise you – there’s always something new to discover and enjoy with your family and friends.
Amitabh
South Asia, has played a pivotal role in the growth of the UK, and this progress continues, in my opinion, due to the strength and diversity of the community. We should recognize the uniqueness and vibrancy the South Asian community adds to the UK.
Sanaa
The weather… obviously!
Trupti
This month is a great opportunity to gain insight into another culture… I would of course recommend that everyone visit India at least once!
