Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2024

By Josmi Saji. 

Reading time: three minutes

Ahead of South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), (July 18th to August 17th), Josmi Saji writes about the importance of celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of South Asian communities.

Recognising and celebrating the South Asian heritage can stimulate greater understanding, inclusivity, and unity within the profession. Here are some engaging ways the legal community can celebrate SAHM through art workshops, film and theatre events and other cultural activities.

Mehendi (henna) Workshops

One of the most beautiful and intricate art forms from South Asian is henna. Organising Mehendi workshops can be a delightful way to celebrate SAHM. These workshops can serve as a relaxing, hands-on, creative activity where participants learn about the historic and cultural significance of Mehendi.

Benefits of Mehendi Workshops

1. Cultural Appreciation: Participants gain insights into the traditional artform, understanding its importance in various South Asian celebrations and rituals.

2. Skill Development: Learning to apply henna is a skill that promotes fine motor skills and artistic expression.

3. Community Building: Such workshops provide a platform for colleagues to bond over a shared creative experience, and form a sense of community.

To enhance the experience, law firms can invite professional henna artists to conduct these workshops. These artists can demonstrate different styles and techniques, from traditional bridal patterns to contemporary designs, allowing participants to experiment and create unique pieces of art.

Film and Theatre Workshops: Exploring Bollywood and Cultural Music

Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry is renowned for its colourful cinematography, compelling storytelling, and mesmerising music. Hosting film screenings and theatre workshops focused on Bollywood can be a captivating way to immerse in South Asian culture.

Key Activities for Film and Theatre Workshops

 1. Bollywood Film Screenings: Organise weekly film screenings of classic and contemporary Bollywood movies.

2. Panel Discussions: Follow up the screenings with panel discussions or Q&A sessions featuring experts on Bollywood cinema, providing deeper insight into the films’ cultural and social contexts.

3. Classical Dance Performance: Arrange live performances or screenings of classical dance i.e. Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance known for its expressive storytelling through intricate movements, expressions, and rhythms.

Food Potluck Taste Sessions: Exploring South Asian Flavours

Food is a powerful way to connect with different cultures. Hosting a potluck where participants bring dishes from various parts of South Asia can be a delicious and educational experience.

Highlights of a Food Potluck 

1. Diverse Dishes: Encourage participants to bring traditional snacks/dishes which can introduce others to new and exciting flavours. (personal fav is vada!)

2. Recipe Sharing: Create a recipe booklet from the potluck and allowing everyone to take home the secrets behind their favourite dishes.

3. Cultural Stories: Invite participants to share stories or memories associated with the dishes they bring, enriching the experience with personal and cultural narratives.

To boost the experience, legal organisations can organise a cooking competition to inspire a healthy, friendly competitive spirit. The winning dish can then be featured prominently in the recipe booklet and showcased on social media.

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Yoga and Bhangra

Integrating wellness activities into the celebration can enhance physical and mental health while showcasing South Asian traditions. Yoga workshops, rooted in South Asian heritage, offer relaxation and rejuvenation through guided sessions. Bhangra dance in Zumba-style sessions, featuring lively movements from Punjab, India, provide and energetic and fun workout, introducing participants to vibrant South Asian music and dance.

Benefits of Health Sessions

1. Physical Well-being

Yoga and Bhangra dance improve flexibility, strength, balance, cardiovascular health. Yoga reduces chronic pain, while Bhangra boosts stamina, burns calories and strengthens muscles.

2. Mental Health

Yoga alleviates stress and anxiety through mindfulness and breathing techniques, enhancing mental clarity. Bhangra’s energetic moves and music elevates moods and releases endorphins to combat stress.

Read this article to find out about the impact of SAHM on diversity and inclusion within the legal profession: https://thestudentlawyer.com/2024/07/01/south-asian-heritage-month-2024-the-impact-on-diversity-and-inclusion/

3. Cultural Connection

These sessions encourage appreciation for South Asian traditions and build community among colleagues, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment in the legal community.

To improve this experience, the legal community can implement regular yoga sessions to start the day and organise a showcase event where colleagues practise and perform a lively Bhangra dance routine in traditional attire.

Finally

Celebrating SAHM in the legal community through these diverse activities can significantly enhance cultural awareness and appreciation. By engaging in art workshops, film and theatre events, food potluck and health workshops, lawyers and legal professionals can promote inclusivity, creativity and a deeper understanding of South Asian cultures. These celebrations not only honour the heritage of South Asian colleagues but also enrich the entire community, creating a more vibrant and cohesive professional environment.