NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, the largest non-profit organization on the East Coast of USA, successfully hosted the 43rd Annual India Day Parade in New York city on Sunday, August 17. The parade drew hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators to Madison Avenue in a spectacular celebration of Indian culture and heritage. This year’s parade theme, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina ” (May All Be Happy and Prosperous), embodied the spirit of universal well-being and unity that defines the Indian-American community.
At the helm of affairs as Grand Marshals were iconic stars of the Indian film industry: the immensely popular Rashmika Mandanna and the charismatic Vijay Deverakonda. Their presence electrified the crowd, with fans thronging the barricades, cheering wildly, and waving flags, many expressing overwhelming excitement to see their favorite idols in person. They were joined by a distinguished group of honorees, and together these renowned celebrities captivated audiences with patriotic songs and cultural presentations, including renditions of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” creating an atmosphere of national pride and cultural unity.
The parade was honored by the presence of Hon. Eric Adams, New York City Mayor, who praised the Indian-American community’s significant contributions to the city. “Such a beautiful turnout, beautiful weather. We want to say keep doing the great things you’re doing in the city,” Mayor Adams remarked, congratulating organizers on a wonderful parade.
Hon. Consul General of India New York, Amb. Binaya S. Pradhan delivered inspiring remarks, welcoming the diaspora and acknowledging the momentous celebration. “It’s a truly momentous day to see India being celebrated on Madison Avenue with hundreds of thousands of people. This only signifies the prominence of the Indian-American community and what you have achieved in this country,” Ambassador Pradhan stated.
The event was further elevated by the special participation of Hon. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and Consultative Committee on Education, making his second appearance at the parade. He traveled specifically to attend the two-day celebration and serve as a voice connecting the diaspora with the motherland. Also participating were Shri Thanedar, U.S. representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district, Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh, and Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, New York State Executive Chamber, demonstrating strong support from local and state leadership.
FIA President Saurin Parikh expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming community support and participation. “This parade represents the strength and unity of our community. Seeing families from across the tri-state area come together to celebrate our rich heritage fills me with immense pride. The success of this event reflects our collective commitment to preserving and sharing Indian culture with future generations.”
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized the parade’s significance in strengthening cultural bonds. “The 43rd India Day Parade has once again demonstrated the vibrant spirit of the Indian-American community. This celebration honors our traditions while showcasing how beautifully our culture integrates with American values. We are proud to organize this platform that brings together diverse communities in celebration of our shared heritage.”
The parade featured 34 spectacular floats, 21 marching groups, and 20 cultural performances representing India from east to west and north to south. Among the highlights was the majestic Divine Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariot by ISKCON NYC, adding spiritual significance to the celebration.
The Indian Panorama float depicted the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, the Ninth Master of the Sikhs who sacrificed his life to protect the Hindus from the persecution of the Mughal rulers of the time.
The parade route stretched through Manhattan, captivating onlookers with its stunning array of culturally, religiously, and artistically significant floats, each symbolizing the incredible diversity of India’s history and regions. Participants adorned in vibrant traditional costumes moved to the energetic rhythms of Indian music, creating an immersive experience that honored India’s deep heritage while showcasing its dynamic modern contributions to global arts and entertainment.
Title sponsor Cricmax Connect’s float reflected the American youth cricket revolution, scaling new possibilities across every American playground. A large number of children played box cricket at Madison and Park Avenue, showcasing cricket development initiatives that promote the sport among American youth and highlight the growing cricket movement in America.
The celebration extended beyond the parade with 38 cultural booths featuring community exhibitions and interactive programs showcasing India’s rich heritage. Following the parade, the festivities continued at the Cultural Stage with a variety of captivating performances spanning both timeless traditional forms and exciting contemporary expressions of Indian music and dance, further showcasing the nation’s rich artistic tapestry. Adding a touch of festive fun was one of the main attractions: the lively Paani Puri Contest, which saw enthusiastic participation from the community.
The parade received extensive coverage from national and international media including Times Network, Sony, and Zee TV. Crucial amplification was provided by media outlets like TV Asia, PTI, ANI, Parikh Worldwide Media, South Asian Times, The Indian Eye, New India Abroad, The Indian Panorama, Mahaa News, AVS TV, Melody Mocktail, Radio Zindagi, Radio Dil, EBC Radio, Daily Hunt and many others, providing comprehensive coverage of the festivities.
The Federation of Indian Associations, as the organizing body, demonstrated its continued dedication to celebrating Indian culture while fostering integration within American society. The organization’s transparent, youth-oriented approach ensures efficient and impactful service to Indian individuals and families across North America.
The 43rd India Day Parade stands as the largest celebration of Indian culture in New York City, reinforcing the strong bonds between India and America while showcasing the vibrant contributions of the Indian-American community to the cultural fabric of the United States. This massive undertaking was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors, including The Consulate General of India-NY, Dunkin, Mount Sinai, Axria, SBI, RWJ Barnabas, Times Network, JetBlue, ICICI Bank, Option Group, AIF, Bansal Foundation, Mehta Foundation, Tak Group, Insta Service, Faith Home Healthcare, Bombino, Andaaz, Siddhivinayak Temple-USA, BJANA, GANA, AAPI, MOCAAPI, and Empire State Building.
(Based on a press release issued by Rohit Korat)
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