Tamil Hindu Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Tamil Hindus have a rich tradition of temple worship, devotional poetry and classical arts. Families in Birmingham come from Tamil Nadu in India and from Sri Lanka, many of whom arrived during and after Sri Lanka's civil war. Newer arrivals include doctors, IT professionals and students.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 1,012 residents whose main language is Tamil gave their religion as Hindu.

Working for Birmingham

Tamil Hindu doctors, pharmacists, accountants, engineers and IT professionals work across Birmingham, and many families run shops, restaurants and businesses. Temples and cultural organisations support families with education, welfare and community events.

Much of the work that keeps Birmingham moving happens out of sight: the night shift on a hospital ward, the early start on a building site, the plumber who fixes a boiler on a winter evening, the teaching assistant who helps a child learn to read. People from every community in the city do these jobs, and Tamil Hindu residents are part of that everyday effort to make Birmingham a better place to live.

Culture and community life

Thai Pongal in January, Deepavali in autumn and temple festivals with chariot processions are highlights of the year. Bharatanatyam dance and Carnatic music are taught to children, and dosa, idli and sambar are shared at gatherings.

For anyone who wants to learn more, the best introduction is the simplest one: say hello. Birmingham's communities are at their best when they meet, share food and learn from one another, and the Tamil Hindu community is a warm part of that everyday exchange.