South Asian Heritage Month

What is South Asian Heritage Month?

South Asian Heritage Month is the name given to the month-long celebration of the heritage of people with roots in the South Asian countries. The co-founders of South Asian Heritage Month are Jasvir Singh CBE and Dr Binita Kane, and the Founding Patron is Anita Rani.

When is South Asian Heritage Month celebrated?

South Asian Heritage Month is celebrated from 18th July to 17th August every year. This is the 5th year of the UK celebrating South Asian Heritage Month - official website.

The dates from mid-July to mid-August also coincide with the South Asian month of Saravan/Sawan, which is the main monsoon month when the region's habitat undergoes renewal.

Which countries make up South Asia?

South Asia is made up of 8 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, The Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

What are some fun facts about South Asia?

Home to more than 2 billion people, South Asia boasts the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, which reaches an astonishing height of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters). Sherpas and their fearless yak accompanists are truly the Himalayas' own superhero team. Sherpas not only hold the key to conquering Mount Everest, but their incredible adaptation to high-altitude living allows them to thrive in low-oxygen environments, masterfully juggling traditional farming, herding, and trade, all while serving as guides in the hazardous world of mountaineering – though their invaluable contributions come with a steep price of exploitation and troubling casualty rates.

Did you know that South Asia is home to one of the world’s earliest known civilizations? The Indus Valley Civilization, which thrived around 2500 BCE, was located in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. This ancient civilization displayed impressive urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and sophisticated trade networks.

South Asia is known for its incredible biodiversity. The region is home to various endemic species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and Indian rhinoceros. It also boasts awe-inspiring national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Ranthambore National Park in India and Chitwan National Park in Nepal, where visitors can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.

South Asia is celebrated for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. From flavorful curries and aromatic spices to mouth watering street food, the culinary traditions of this region are as fascinating as they are delicious. Each country in South Asia has its own unique dishes and cooking styles, providing a feast for the senses.

South Asia is home to the world's largest cinnamon exporters, like Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. These countries collectively dominate with over 90% of global cinnamon production. The fiery spice makes its way into diverse dishes, as Vietnamese cinnamon is a hot favorite in India, accounting for 80% of their imports.

South Asia is a land of festivals and celebrations. From Diwali, the Festival of Lights, to Holi, the Festival of Colors, the region is known for its vibrant and joyous festivities. These celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience the warmth and hospitality of the South Asian people.

The Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, originally from Northern India, held the title of "World's Hottest of all Spices" by Guinness World Records in 2006. Its heat registers from 855,000 to 1,041,427 on the Scoville scale - about 107 times hotter than a jalapeño. The Indian Army even uses them for chili grenades! Underneath that fiery rage, though, is a sweet personality that jalapeños just can't match. Spice aficionados, meet your tasty match with the Bhut Jolokia pepper.

India is the birthplace of four major religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism – as well as other faiths like Zoroastrianism and Judaism.

Sundarbans Reserve Forest is home to the one and only mangrove habitat of Panthera tigris tigris, with a population of about 400 to 450 individuals, this internationally recognized wonder boasts 693 wildlife species and 334 plant species.

Indian giant squirrel is a large multi-coloured tree squirrel species endemic to forests and woodlands in India and weighs up to 3 kilograms and can effortlessly soar across distances of up to 6 meters with a single leap, making it one of the most marvelous and colorful critters you'll ever lay eyes on.

What are some resources to explore South Asian Heritage?

Others
Tea Industry
https://thebrownfirangi.com/blog/south-asian-desserts-which-you-have-to-try/
South Asian spices

Non-Food Resources:
Mathematicians, Ramanujan
Brave Women Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War
NHS at 70: why South Asian doctors became the 'lifeblood' of the health service
Sports people: Susanthika Jayasinghe (Sri Lanka), Mary Kom (India), Moeen Ali (Pakistan),
10 Inspiring South Asian People To Know About
Famous festivals: Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Vaisakhi, Vesak, Kumbh Mela
Arts: Bollywood, South Asian arts - Music, Instruments, Traditions
Poems by South Asian Poets
Ethnic groups in South Asia - Wikipedia

References

https://southasianheritage.org.uk/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Heritage_Month
https://www.ncesc.com/geographic-pedia/what-are-some-fun-facts-about-south-asia/
https://www.mashed.com/200921/heres-how-much-hotter-a-ghost-pepper-is-than-a-jalapeno/