A history of the Punjabi community in London

After World War Two, there were, unsurprisingly, significant labour shortages in the UK. This prompted the British administration to encourage the recruitment of workers from across the Commonwealth. The vast majority of these migrants were men from India and Pakistan.

After a period of settling in and getting used to their jobs and new homes, they began to settle permanently, and invited their family and friends to join them.

They often found work in the manufacturing, textile and service sectors, including a significant number of jobs at Heathrow airport. Close to the airport, the town of Southall became an early hub for Punjabi migrants. In fact, it was to become the country’s premier British Asian town - and London’s largest community of South Asians.

The 2011 census showed that in Southall, 76.1% of the population were Asian; 9.6% Black; and 7.5% white. In fact, Southall Broadway had the lowest proportion of white residents anywhere in the UK.

Punjabis can be Sikh, Hindu or Muslim, and all three demographics settled in this outpost of West London, making it a ‘Little Punjab’. However, it was the Sikhs who came in the largest numbers, and gave Southall its distinct identity.

The flavours of Punjab in Southall

The vibrant Asian population of Southall (Little Punjab) has contributed to some super Punjabi and Indian restaurants in Southall. You’ll find wonderful Punjabi classics served in these great restaurants:

‘Punjabi Samosa’ - Delhi Wahla

Delhi Wala is a great spot for snacks, sweets, deserts and comfort food. Service is speedy, which is great if you’re hungry and in a rush. Don’t miss its speciality: the Punjabi samosa. They are perfectly cooked, too - soft and crispy outside, warm and well seasoned on the inside. Two for under £2.

‘Chicken tikka’ - Mehfil

Chicken tikka - a firm favourite in the UK - is also a Punjabi classic. And for one of the best, visit Mehfil. It’s one of pricier restaurants in Southall,  but offers very good service and a lovely, cosy interior.

‘Indian sweets’ - Ambala or Chini Chor

If you have a sweet tooth, then a trip to Chini Chor (sugar thief) is well worth it. Evocative of the streets of Punjab, this fast food joint offers all the traditional favourites, from chaats to barfis (milk based sweet). And, if you really love your sugar, gulab jamun is the ultimate indulgence.

There are also plenty of takeaway sweet shops along Southall Broadway, with Royal Sweets and Ambala two of the most popular.

Bhangra music: the sounds of Punjab in Southall

Walk down the street in Southall and more often than not you’ll hear the sounds of Bhangra emanating from shops, restaurants and open windows. But what is Bhangra? It originated as a folk, harvest dance from the Punjab and evolved once it married with electronic instrumentation in the UK.

For young British Punjabis - Sikhs, Hindus or Muslims - it appeals as it preserves their heritage – language and wisdom via the ancient vocal scales of singers.

Festivals and traditions in Southall

With the huge mix and size of the ethnic community in Southall, the town is not short of wonderful processions, celebrations and festivals in its cultural calendar. Here are just a few throughout the year.

‘Diwali’  - a Hindu festival

There's no better time to visit Southall than around Diwali (the Festival of Light). Celebrated in late October or early November, Southall becomes a hive of celebratory activity, as the local community prepares for one of the biggest festivals of the year.

Diwali is celebrated by the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities and represents the victory of light over darkness. If it’s of interest to you, you can learn more about the Sikh community in Southall by paying a visit to the spectacular Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara.

‘Vaisakhi’ - a Sikh festival

Vaisakhi, also called Baisakhi, is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa, in 1699. It’s celebrated on either 13th or 14th  April every year. But on Sunday 2nd April 2023 Southall hosts its annual Vaisakhi procession (Nagar Kirtan) from the Guru Nanak Road (Havelock Road) Gurdwara to the Park Avenue Gurdwar. Tens of thousands of people attend the parade through the streets of Southall.

‘Desi Mela’ - a Punjabi music festival

‘Little Punjab’ really gets partying during the Desi Mela music festival in July.  Featuring performances by various Punjabi Superstar singers, this event delivers a fun-packed, unforgettable experience.

There’s always an array of cultural performances, traditional food, and exciting activities for all ages. With its focus on promoting Punjabi culture and heritage, Desi Mela in Southall offers a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of this community.

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The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.