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VHPA celebrates inclusion of Hindu temple float in NY's India Day Parade
The organization highlighted the float as the main attraction of the parade, which captivated a large audience, despite the controversy surrounding its inclusion.
The Ram Mandir float making its way down Madison Avenue / FIA
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) celebrated the inclusion of its float, a replica of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, in FIA's India Day Parade that took place in Manhattan, New York, on Aug. 18.
In a statement, the organization described the float as the "most cherished" highlight of the parade that captivated thousands of spectators as it made its way down Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street.
This follows a contentious debate surrounding the inclusion of the float in the parade, with some groups arguing for its removal, which prompted NYC Mayor Eric Adams to issue a statement condemning the float. The VHPA, in response, initiated a letter-writing campaign, rallying Hindu Americans and various non-Hindu organizations to support the float's participation in the parade.
"Within hours, nearly 30,000 emails flooded the inboxes of elected officials at city and state levels, prompting a swift response," VHPA said. "Mayor Adams and his staff acted in the nick of time, avoiding the branding of New York City as pandering to fringe Islamic groups while insulting millions of highly contributing Hindu Americans—an especially precarious move in this highly charged election season," it added.
VHPA also shared messages demonstrating the public's appreciation for the float. One participant said, “I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your (VHPA) incredible efforts in bringing the replica of the Ram Mandir to the India Day Parade in New York. Your dedication in organizing this event not only created an electrifying atmosphere but also brought us all together in a deeply unifying experience.”
Another participant captured the sentiments of millions of Hindu Americans, “The presence of the Ram Mandir replica was a powerful symbol of our shared heritage and values, and it resonated with everyone present.”
Sherona Varulkar Kelley, a community leader representing the Jews of India, joined their Hindu brothers in the parade, remarked, “We are so proud to have been able to walk in solidarity with our Hindu brothers and sisters. India has been a most unique place for the Jews. India, our motherland, gave us shelter for over two thousand years. Jews, especially the Bene Israel of Maharashtra, never knew antisemitism. Only in India! Our love, respect, and eternal gratitude to all the Hindus.”
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