QUEENS, NY (TIP): For the 2^nd year in a row, India Day Parade organized by Floral Park – Bellerose Indian Merchants Association was a grand success. The numbers at the parade must have made the organizers more than happy for their efforts.

The parade celebrated with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm was organized on August 12^th. Thousands participated in the parade which was led by NYPD contingent including mounted police on horses followed by Fire Marshalls contingent and fire trucks.

Bollywood actresses Tanushree Dutta (Ashiqs Banaya Aapne and Dhol fame) and Mahima Chaudhry (Pardes and Dhadkan fame) were Grand Marshals. They said it was a matter of pride that Indians abroad too celebrate India’s Independence Day with fervor.

More than 30 organizations including 6 floats and an American Band marched in the parade. It was almost a mile long. Post parade there was a cultural Mela in Padavan – Preller field on 235th street. Cultural performances included traditional dances from various parts of India as well as patriotic and Bollywood songs.

There were 17+ booths both nonfood and food sponsored by several local businesses. There were kiddie rides, clown and face painting activity. Elected officials from Nassau and Queens counties congratulated the people and organizers on 71st Independence Day celebration.  It was a very successful event attended by thousands and exhibited a great sense of pride and love for India. Besides national anthems from US and India one could hear the loud chanting of ” Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai. “