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A festival on the heritage of British Asians here this autumn will showcase a sari designing competition to reflect their taste and talents.

The contest, being organised by the Bridging Arts group along with the sari recycling fashion label Sari UK, will be funded by Awards for All - an organisation that gives grants to people in art, sport, heritage and community activities.

"We're hoping to find patterns that speak for thousands of us who perhaps lack our parents' geographical and physical experience of India, but who nonetheless feel a strong attachment to our heritage," Sari UK's Sital Punja said.

The exhibition, which aims to mark 60 years of India's independence, will also see Punja presenting saris from around India with information about their regional significance, according to information posted on the Bridging Arts website.

"Up to now, sari patterns have largely reflected the rich life of India and the subcontinent. But now we're hoping for new designs reflecting the lives of British Asians in this country," said Helen Scalway, an artist.

"The competition is an important step in helping young British Asians to define their identity," Punja added.