South Asian Heritage Month is an annual celebration dedicated to celebrating, commemorating and educating people about the rich cultural legacy of South Asian communities in the UK. To coincide with this celebration and as we open a new exhibition, Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans, we invited the exhibition contributors to put together some words for this blog. Here is Meera's story.
Growing up in Bengaluru, South India, tradition always blended with the buzz of an international IT hub. There was a rhythm in that chaos, where routines followed a certain order and deep-rooted values were gently passed down.
Moving to the UK shifted that rhythm; life felt quieter. The weather, streets, even the silences were different. In those early days, I leaned heavily on my close family, especially my mother, her recipes, her voice, her reassurance , a comfort that continues today. While I followed food blogs, I truly wanted to recreate the feeling of home, particularly through 'payasa', a dessert recalling celebrations and my grandmother's warm kitchen.
Living in St. Albans helped me reconnect. The vibrant local markets, full of colour and chatter echo Bengaluru's energy. I've since built a life that blends both worlds, supported by my husband and children. We've made new friends, hosted festivals, and found joy in small moments: a perfect cup of filter coffee or the rustle of silk sarees.
This South Asian Heritage Month, I reflect on how heritage lives in everyday choices. It's not about where you are, but what you carry and how you make it thrive in new places.
-Meera
Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans runs until 16th November 2025. Entry is free.
