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Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and diverse culture of South Asia during South Asian Heritage Month, starting on July 17! This month-long celebration was first recognized by the Canadian government in 2012 to honor and recognize the contributions of South Asians to Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. From mouth-watering cuisine to colorful traditional attire and rich history, there is so much to explore and appreciate about this beautiful region. Join in on the festivities and discover all that South Asian heritage has to offer!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>South Asian Migration Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first wave of South Asian immigrants begin to arrive in Canada seeking new opportunities and ways of life.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Partition of India</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British colonials partition India into two new sovereign states - India and Pakistan. This event sparks a mass migration, with many South Asians seeking new homes around the globe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increase of South Asian Immigration</div><div class='timeline-text'>New immigration laws in Canada result in an increase of South Asian immigration, enriching Canadian society with vibrant and diverse cultures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of South Asian Heritage Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>South Asian Heritage Month is officially recognized by the Canadian government to honor and recognize the contributions of South Asians to Canada's social, economic, and cultural fabric.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of South Asian Contributions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Several South Asians are recognized for their contributions in various fields in Canada, providing an opportunity for the younger generation to acknowledge and share in the proud heritage of their ancestry.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional South Asian potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family to bring their favorite South Asian dishes to share and celebrate the rich and diverse cuisine of the region.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community calendar for events celebrating South Asian culture, such as dance performances, art exhibits, or food festivals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn a traditional dance or language</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a dance or language class to learn more about the vibrant cultures of South Asia and connect with your heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore South Asian history and traditions</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit a museum or historical site dedicated to South Asian history and learn about the rich traditions and contributions of the region.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support South Asian-owned businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit local South Asian-owned restaurants, shops, and businesses to show your support and appreciation for their cultural heritage.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates diversity and cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>South Asian Heritage Month is an important time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of South Asian communities. It allows for the sharing and preservation of cultural heritage, promoting understanding and appreciation for different cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Educates others about South Asian culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through events, workshops, and discussions, South Asian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for people to learn about the diverse customs, art, music, food, and languages of South Asia. This leads to a more inclusive and informed society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises awareness about social issues affecting South Asian communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>South Asian Heritage Month also sheds light on important social issues affecting South Asian communities such as discrimination, racism, and inequality. It provides a platform for these issues to be discussed and addressed, leading to positive change and progress.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>South Asia is Multilingual</h3><p class='facts-content'>South Asia is a region rich in languages. From Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Kannada, Gujarati, and many more, it is home to several dialects and languages which represents the diversity and richness of its cultures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>South Asian Clothing is Emblematic</h3><p class='facts-content'>Traditional South Asian clothing like the Saree for women and the Kurta-Pajama or Sherwani for men are more than just attire; they’re a significant part of multiple countries' cultural identities. Many of these clothing items feature elaborate designs and bright colors and are often worn during festivals or special occasions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>South Asia is the Birthplace of Many Religions</h3><p class='facts-content'>It is widely considered as the cradle of several major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. These religions have intrinsically shaped the region's culture, values, and societal norms.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Home to One of the Seven Wonders of the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>The astounding Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the seven wonders of the world. This monument is a symbol of love and an architectural marvel of the Mughal Empire, representing the rich history of South Asia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>South Asia houses World's Highest Mountain Peak</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas, stands majestic as the world's highest mountain peak. It forms a significant part of South Asia's geographical identity and is a source of local and international pride.</p></div></div>
South Asian Heritage Month is celebrated on July 17 every year. In 2024 South Asian Heritage Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Jul 17
Monday
2024
Jul 17
Wednesday
2025
Jul 17
Thursday
2026
Jul 17
Friday
2027
Jul 17
Saturday
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