South Asian Heritage Month

You can't have a Diwali party without some music, so I'm sharing my all killer no filler 2024 Diwali playlist with you to enjoy! The playlist (link in the comments below) takes you through many different genres of music - bhangra, Bollywood, rap, garage, dance, hip hop... You don't need to understand the languages to enjoy music by artists of South Asian heritage, so just give it a go. I've lost count of how many different languages - South Asian and beyond - are featured. Maybe try to identify some and let me know! I was recently asked what sort of music I like, and I honestly struggle to give an answer. I mumbled "hip hop and R&B" but I don't think that really covers it. This playlist is a partial answer to that question. (Please note it does feature some explicit lyrics). Hope you have a brilliant #Diwali or #Diwaloween this week! South Asian Heritage Month

Are you or your workplace looking to order any Diwali sweets? I'm shining a spotlight on Khoya Mithal, an independent Indian sweet business founded by Kinna Patel and her father. It's important to support South Asian heritage independent business beyond South Asian Heritage Month. This year, Diwali in the UK, the Hindu festival of light takes place on 31 October 2024. Get in touch with Kinna directly via LinkedIn or their Instagram page. They're taking orders for Diwali until Monday 21 October as everything is homemade but drop them a line if you need South Asian sweets another time during the year. Delivery is available or collection in the City of London area. Instagram @khoya_mithai

Diwali is coming in a couple of weeks, so we’ve curated some South Asian businesses to consider supporting as you browse for gifts this festive season. While we love seeing brands like Cutter & Squidge creating Diwali ranges, we encourage you to support minority-owned growing brands when you can. Featuring in this gift guide: Biskut Bar by Chandani Kaur Kohli Haath Creations Anisha Parmar Studio by Anisha Parmar Curry Smugglers My Little Barfi Pavan Beauty by Pavan Dhanjal BEM Bright Bandar Co. Rani & Co Jewellery by Ramona Gohil Kulfi Beauty by Priyanka Ganjoo Aarabhi London by Aarabhi S. Stellar79 Jewellery by Sheena Appadoo Drape Me London Swipe to find out more about each brand ➡️ Got more recommendations? Tell us in the comments below ⬇️ #otherbox #diwali #diwaligiftideas #southasian #desiowneduk #giftideas #supportsmallbusinesses

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects countless individuals and their families, altering lives and communities.   My brilliant Massiji was diagnosed with breast cancer at 48 and passed away months after her 50th 😓 I feel that loss in the depths of my soul 💔 If the past year has taught me anything - it’s the value of health and the importance of family. I encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to perform regular self-checks and consult a doctor if something feels off. Early detection is crucial and can make a significant difference in outcomes. Let’s stay vigilant, support each other, and raise awareness for this important cause. 💗

Celebrating the achievements of British Asian Women and Girls in Rugby. Introducing another member of our community. Meet Manjit Sanghera (aka Molly). This is her story: “I’m a Sikh Punjabi woman who has been playing rugby for seven years. My journey began at an Inner Warrior Camp at Handsworth RFC, where I became the club’s first Indian female player, staying for two seasons. I also represented Staffordshire County. I then joined Lichfield RFC, making history as the first Indian female in a leadership role. In 2020, I became Head of Women and Girls and helped facilitate a partnership with Leicester Tigers. I played a season with them, also as their first Indian female player, while managing the team. Currently, I focus solely on Lichfield, where I’ve successfully rebuilt our girls' section, growing from just 4-5 girls to having U12, U14, U16, and U18 teams. Those who’ve seen my RFU video know that rugby transformed my life. It helped me rediscover my focus and joy. After battling physical and mental health challenges, rugby has given me confidence and motivation. I’ve completed my coaching qualification to inspire girls and women, proving that anyone can play and be involved in rugby!” Photo credit:Sophie Grew photography, David Cooper, Leicester Tigers #Representation #thisgirlcan #asian #asiangirls #women #girls #womeninsport #girlsinsport #girlsinsport #rugby #womensrugby #girlsrugby #sikh #indian #punjabi Molly (Manjit) Sanghera