FIA spotlights diversity and inclusion at India Day Parade

Lively music and colourful floats celebrated India's culture and diversity, with participants waving Indian and American flags.

Crowds dance and sing along to the rhythm of Indian music. / FIA

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) hosted the world’s largest annual India Day Parade on Aug. 18, honoring India’s 78th Independence Day.

The parade, themed "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - The World is One Family," began at noon on 38th Street in New York City and drew thousands of Indian-American participants and spectators. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha led the parade as grand marshal, accompanied by her husband, Bollywood actor Zaheer Iqbal. The distinguished guests of honor were Bhojpuri celebrity and public figure Manoj Tiwari and Indian actor Pankaj Tripathi.

Grand Marshal Sonakshi Sinha with actor husband Zaheer Iqbal, and guests of Honor Pankaj Tripathi and Manoj Tiwari. / FIA

Lively music and colorful floats celebrated India's culture and diversity, with participants waving Indian and American flags together as one big family. The Consulate General of India, Binaya S. Pradhan, expressed his pride, stating, “It’s a moment to see the best of India represented here. We celebrate our cultural, historic, and educational achievements today.”

FIA president Dr. Avinash Gupta highlighted the importance of the parade's theme, “On this day, we celebrate democracy, unity in diversity, and inclusiveness.”

Parade floats celebrating the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. / FIA

A grand float replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was a parade highlight, other notable floats included the float of Nalanda University , the world’s first residential university, founded in 427 CE.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Juna Akhada, also attended the event, drawing a crowd of devotees who sought his blessings. “People are enthusiastic as they participate in the India Day Parade. Different tableaus featuring India's divine culture, our Kalajayi, Mrityunjaya, and Sanatan culture, and its values are seen here. All tableaus are very wonderful here,’ he said, witnessing the event.

Swami Avdheshanand with the Ram Temple Float. / FIA

Following the parade, a cultural program showcasing India’s rich and diverse traditions entertained the guests. Appreciating the performances and the lively atmosphere, Manoj Tiwari said, "Itna pyar dekhkar mujhe yakeen hai ki America mai bhi Bharat basata hai (Seeing so much love, I am convinced that India resides in America too) "

During the program, artists presented both traditional and contemporary Indian art forms based on the event’s theme, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” The spirited rhythms of Bhangra and the upbeat steps of Garba were blended with the classical dance forms of Kathak and Bharatnatyam. Additionally, the event included more than 45 food stalls and booths, which provided attendees with a sensory experience of Indian cuisine and crafts.

Young Indian Americans displayed their talents during the cultural program. / FIA

Sonakshi Sinha expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to represent the nation, and she shared her enthusiasm, as her father, Shatrughan Sinha, had served as Grand Marshal in 1985. Pankaj Tripathi expressed his gratitude as well, saying, “The sheer amount of love and support from the diaspora here in the United States is truly overwhelming. Your presence makes us all proud.”

A grand Independence gala was held at the National Museum of the American Indians to conclude the festivities, which was attended by more than 450 members of the Indian community and distinguished guests. Attendees were served a menu from Andaaz Restaurant in New Jersey. The "Zero Food Waste Mission" was a significant aspect of the evening.

Guests address the gala (L-R) President - Dr. Avinash Gupta, Mount Sinai - Dr. Samin Sharma, Zaheer Iqbal, Indian Actress - Sonakshi Sinha, Bhojpuri Indian Superstar - Manoj Tiwari, CGI-NY Binaya Pradhan, Holtech - Krishna Singh. / FIA

When asked about the mantra behind the parade’s success each year, FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya stated, “Our mantra is our vibrant community and thriving diaspora, who are proud, inclusive, diverse, and, most importantly, united. May the United States and our motherland, India, reach new heights of success.”

“The parade left a lasting impression of the vibrant spirit and unity of the Indian diaspora in New York City, celebrating not just a day, but a shared heritage that continues to thrive. FIA is grateful for the heartfelt turnout and all those who attended, participated, and volunteered to make this iconic celebration a memorable one,” the organization said in a statement.