New York City – The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA : NY-NJ-CT-NE), the largest non-profit organisation in the East Coast of the USA, successfully hosted the 43rd Annual India-Day Parade in New York on Sunday, August 17, drawing 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 Sukhina Bhavantu’ (May All Be Happy and Prosperous), embodied the spirit of universal well-being and unity that defines the Indian-American community. Charismatic Bollywood duo, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda were present at the event as the Grand-Marshals. Their presence electrified the atmosphere and thrilled the spectators. A distinguished group of honourees, and these renowned celebrities captivated audiences with patriotic songs and cultural presentations, including renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, creating vibes of national pride and cultural unity.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Eric Adams, New York City Mayor, praised the Indian-American community’s significant contributions to the city and congratulated the organisers, saying, “It’s a beautiful turnout, beautiful weather. We want to say keep doing the great things you’re doing in the city.”
Welcoming the diaspora and acknowledging the momentous celebration, Hon. Consul General of India New York, Amb. Binaya S. Pradhan stated, “It’s a truly momentous day for the Indian diaspora. This only signifies the prominence of the Indian-American community and what they have achieved in this country.”
Hon. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and Consultative Committee on Education, attended the event and hailed the contribution of the Indian-Americans. 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, grace the event with their presence.
FIA President Saurin Parikh expressed his gratitude saying, “This parade represents the strength and unity of our community. It’s a moment of pride for all of us.”
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized, “The 43rd India-Day Parade demonstrated the vibrant spirit of the Indian-American community, honours our traditions and shows how beautifully our culture integrates with American values. This platform truly 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. Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra by ISKCON NYC, added spiritual significance to the celebration. 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 honoured 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. 38 cultural booths featured community exhibitions and interactive programs showcasing India’s rich heritage. After the parade a variety of captivating performances spanning both timeless traditional forms and exciting contemporary expressions of Indian music and dance were performed.
The Federation of Indian Associations, as the organizing body, demonstrated its continued dedication to celebrate 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.
