-- A Grand Celebration of Indian Culture
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, New York City’s Madison Avenue came alive with vibrant colors, music, and cultural displays as the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE hosted the 43rd Annual India Day Parade. The largest non-profit organization of its kind on the East Coast, FIA orchestrated a celebration that drew hundreds of thousands of people from across the tri-state area and beyond, honoring the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Indian-American community. This year's parade theme, "Sarve Sukhina Bhavantu" (May All Be Happy and Prosperous), captured the essence of unity, peace, and prosperity.
The parade was a spectacle that truly demonstrated the spirit of community, pride, and celebration. With iconic Indian film stars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda leading the event as Grand Marshals, the crowd erupted in excitement as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. The atmosphere was electric as the pair waved to their devoted followers, embodying the message of the parade—unity through diversity.
Honoring the Indian-American Community
Among the dignitaries present were New York City Mayor, Hon. Eric Adams, and Hon. Consul General of India in New York, Amb. Binaya S. Pradhan. Mayor Adams, addressing the crowd, praised the contributions of the Indian-American community to New York, saying, “Such a beautiful turnout, beautiful weather. We want to say keep doing the great things you're doing in the city.” Ambassador Pradhan also expressed his gratitude, emphasizing how the event highlighted the significant role of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Ambassador Pradhan remarked, “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.”
Among the distinguished guests were Hon. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, and Shri Thanedar, U.S. Representative from Michigan, further showcasing strong support from leaders across both nations for the community. Their participation underscored the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and the influence of the Indian diaspora on both a local and global scale.
A Parade with Heart: Cultural and Artistic Displays
The parade was an impressive showcase of India’s diversity, featuring 34 floats, 21 marching groups, and 20 cultural performances. These performances represented India’s rich history, from its ancient traditions to its contemporary contributions to global arts and entertainment. The highlight of the parade was the majestic Divine Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariot presented by ISKCON NYC, a powerful spiritual symbol that added depth to the celebration.
Cricmax Connect, the title sponsor of the parade, spotlighted the rising popularity of cricket among American youth with a special float reflecting the sport’s growing influence across the United States. Young children were seen playing box cricket along Madison Avenue, helping promote the sport’s development and its cultural significance to both India and America.
In addition to the parade, the celebration extended to 38 cultural booths offering exhibitions and interactive programs that allowed visitors to learn more about India’s rich heritage. The vibrant display of traditional crafts, food, and cultural artifacts made for a highly engaging experience, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Indian culture.
Support from Local Leadership
The parade also saw strong support from local and state leadership, including Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh and Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs for the New York State Executive Chamber. Their participation highlighted the importance of fostering inclusivity within the broader American context, further promoting unity among communities.
FIA President Saurin Parikh shared his pride in the overwhelming support from the community, saying, “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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the parade serves to integrate Indian culture with American values, creating an environment of respect, pride, and mutual appreciation. "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."
Continued Festivities and Cultural Engagement
Following the parade, the Cultural Stage hosted a variety of performances, both traditional and contemporary, showcasing the talents of the Indian-American community. From mesmerizing classical dance performances to vibrant Bollywood music, the cultural expressions captivated attendees of all ages.
One of the main attractions, the Paani Puri Contest, saw participants enjoying a taste of India’s beloved street food, further contributing to the community spirit and festive atmosphere.
Extensive Media Coverage and Global Reach
The 43rd India Day Parade received widespread media coverage, ensuring the event's global reach. National and international media outlets such as Times Network, Sony, Zee TV, and TV Asia covered the parade extensively, amplifying the celebration to audiences around the world. Local media such as the South Asian Times, The Indian Eye, and Parikh Worldwide Media also played a crucial role in documenting and broadcasting the event.
A Strong Commitment to Cultural Preservation
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) continues to demonstrate its dedication to celebrating and preserving Indian culture while encouraging its integration into American society. With a transparent and youth-oriented approach, FIA ensures that Indian-Americans have the resources, support, and platforms they need to thrive and contribute to the cultural richness of the United States.
The 43rd Annual India Day Parade stands as a shining example of the strength and unity of the Indian-American community. It is not just a celebration of India’s history, but also a recognition of the ongoing contributions of Indian-Americans to the fabric of the United States. The event successfully reinforced the bonds between India and America, proving that, despite differences, culture is a powerful unifier.
Being an official design print production agency of FIA, Gracia Marcom contributed to the parade's creative elements. Rohit Korat, Founder of Gracia Marcom, an advertising agency in Ahmedabad, India, expressed his gratitude to FIA for believing in them and their continued support as an official agency for 12 years. He reflected on the extensive preparation involved, saying that "the India Day Parade NYC preparation of 9 months for the Marketing, Float decoration, Event merchandise sent from India to the USA was really fulfilling and the dedicated efforts of the FIA and Gracia Marcom team was commendable."
About the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of India in the United States. The FIA serves the Indian-American community by organizing events, educational programs, and cultural celebrations that foster integration, support, and unity.
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Ankur Vaidya
Chairman, Federation of Indian Associations
Email: [email protected]
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Name: Ankur Vaidya
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Organization: Federation of Indian Associations
Website: https://www.fianynjct.org/
Release ID: 89167938
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