Prepare to be transported back in time to the Mughal period with Sonia Sabri’s stunning ‘Mughal Miniatures’ as part of Birmingham Museums Trust’s annual celebration of South Asian Heritage.

Birmingham Museums is presenting a range of activities and events in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month.

Held annually from 18 July - 17 August, the month is a period to honour, recognise, and appreciate South Asian history and the cultural legacy of countries in South Asia.

At Aston Hall on Saturday 29 July, performers donning sumptuous costumes bring to life the exquisite traditional art of Indian and Persian miniature painting, through dance, music and puppetry, all in the stunning setting of Aston Hall’s Long Gallery and gardens.

Everything is not as it seems, however, as well-behaved characters grow tired of their restrictive frames and with the help of the audience they can break free not only of their pictorial frames, but also of society’s expectations.

The performance is followed by a panel talk, during which Artistic Director Sonia Sabri and leading academic experts, including Dr Neelam Hussain from the University of Birmingham and Dr Malini Roy from the British Library, discuss the cultural significance of the amazing works, their multi-cultural roots, and modern debates around the representation of women and decolonisation.

At Soho House on Thursday 27 July, visitors can experience the art of wearing a sari (or saree) desi style.

For thousands of years women from the Indian subcontinent have worn saris and there are more than 80 recorded ways to wear one. Learn how to drape and wrap a sari with the team from Legacy West Midlands in a friendly, inclusive space. This workshop is free and drop-in from 12pm-3pm.

From sweet shops to Desi Pubs, South Asian communities have had a huge impact on Handsworth and a special tour in August will explore highlights of this cuisine, ending with a tasting platter at the Soho Tavern. The tour will begin at Soho House to explore the Georgian obsession with eating and drinking. From elaborate breakfasts to ceremonial tea making, the Boulton family’s life revolved around dining. Georgian delicacies will be tasted including game pie, gingerbread and pineapple – the fruit favoured by the rich.

The tour will continue out into Handsworth, led by an experienced guide from Legacy West Midlands, combining the Georgian history of the area with that of present-day communities.

For a full list of events, please visit: birminghammuseums.org.uk