How to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at work (2026)

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a yearly celebration in honour of the strong heritage links between the UK and South Asian countries. In this blog, we will cover the aim of SAHM, the theme for 2026, and how to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at work.

The UK’s heritage ties with South Asian countries date back far into our history, but have never been more important than now. According to the Minority Rights Group, those with South Asian heritage account for over 4.9% of the British population. Our society - and, therefore, our workplaces - have never been more diverse; and so, equity, diversity, and inclusion are of the utmost importance. South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for workplaces to show support for their South Asian employees and colleagues, encourage culture sharing, and amplify their learning and listening.

What is South Asian Heritage Month?

South Asian Heritage Month, often abbreviated as SAHM, started in 2020. SAHM is led by the South Asian Heritage Trust — an organisation that aims to improve public understanding of South Asian influence in the UK, and encourage cultural sharing and dialogue, leading to better social cohesion. South Asian Heritage Month is an annual awareness event held to commemorate and celebrate the diverse cultures of South Asian countries and their links to the UK. Each year, the trust chooses a theme for SAHM to encourage different conversations and reflections.

SAHM was previously held from July 18th to August 17th annually. These dates were not chosen at random. 18th July commemorates the date the Indian Independence Act 1947 received approval from King George VI. The end date, August 17th, marks the anniversary of the Radcliffe Line publication in 1947, which set the borders between India, West Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The dates also largely coincide with the South Asian month of Saravan / Saqan, an important month for renewal that brings monsoons to the region, and a poetic acknowledgement of the annual renewal of cultural sharing and ties that SAHM brings to our modern society.

However, as of 2026, the new dates for SAHM are 1st to 21st July. This move is largely to make it easier for communities, individuals, and companies to get involved, however, there is controversy over the new dates clashing wiith school holidays. Whatever your thoughts on the new dates, the main message of SAHM stands, and all over Britain, we often enjoy, embrace, and take part in South Asian culture without even realising it, through music, literature, clothing, and let’s not forget, food!

What countries are INCLUDED IN South Asian Heritage Month?

While it is enjoyable to celebrate the modern cultural influences of South Asian culture on UK society, SAHM is also an opportunity to reflect on the deep and often unpleasant history between the UK and South Asian countries. It is also important not to group all South Asian countries together. Each country holds its own individual history, culture, faiths, and celebrations. There are eight ‘official’ countries in South Asia, for the purposes of SAHM:

• Afghanistan

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Bhutan

• India

• Maldives

• Nepal

• Sri Lanka

Each country has a unique history and ties with the UK. From the long-standing aid of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers to the British Army, to strong investment ties with India, to the large tea trade relationship with Sri Lanka, part of South Asian Heritage Month is learning about these individual countries and their unique connections with the UK.

To learn more about each South Asian country and its relationship with the UK, download our free eBook.

South Asian Heritage Month 2026: Unity in Diversity

This year, the theme chosen by the South Asian Heritage Trust is 'Unity in Diversity. The aim of this theme is to acknowledge the shared culture across South Asia, as well as the individual differences of each country. By embracing the beauty in our differences, alongside how we are one larger community, we can encourage a positive outlook, and promote meaningful change, on diversity and inclusion. The South Asian Heritage Trust states:

South Asia is a region of extraordinary diversity: eight countries, hundreds of languages, multiple faiths, and millennia of shared and distinct histories. This theme invites us to explore what unites us across these differences, shared values, intertwined histories, a common commitment to community and belonging, while celebrating the beauty and strength that diversity brings.

How to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at work

Awareness events like South Asian Heritage Month provide an opportunity to connect with one another while working towards larger equity, diversity, and inclusion goals. There are many ways you can celebrate and support SAHM in the workplace.

1 - Host a culture-sharing event

A culture-sharing event can take many forms, but it will always have the same main aim: to bring together cultures, create a safe space for curiosity, and promote inclusion. For example, you might host an event focused on the culture of South Asian countries, welcoming traditional dress, and inviting everyone to bring a dish that holds cultural significance for them and their roots.

2 - Share resources

Learning is the backbone of all EDI work, and SAHM is an ideal time to learn about South Asian heritage, history, culture, and modern links to the UK. Consider sharing a list of resources (like our eBook) with your wider team to encourage discussion, reflection, and education.

3 - Share stories

Alongside education, storytelling is a wonderful way to capture people’s attention. Encourage sharing of stories, whether first-hand experiences or those found through learning resources. The South Asian Heritage Trust shares many first-person stories as a great starting point. It is important we create safe spaces for uncomfortable conversations, too. Many stories surrounding South Asian countries and rooted in colonisation and cultural appropriation, topics that many shy away from. By create a space where storytelling and open learning is encouraged, we can acknowledge these problematic histories, discuss their impact today, and look to how we can address these impacts.

4 - Show up as an ally year-round

The best way to support South Asian colleagues and employees is to champion EDI and consistently demonstrate genuine allyship throughout the year. Awareness events are helpful for gaining focus, but EDI work is a continuous effort. Understanding the journeys, challenges, and cultures of individuals with South Asian heritage helps build an inclusive workplace with social cohesion, effective communication, and mutual understanding.

To support your EDI goals, Diversity+ offers numerous free downloadable resources to improve your cultural and emotional intelligence, understand the power of privilege, and explore South Asian Heritage Month, including our South Asian Heritage Month eBook.

We also offer bespoke services to help you develop your EDI strategy, deliver training, or plan EDI events. Book a free consultation call or read more about our services.