FIA Celebrates India’s Independence Day at Times Square

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) hoisted the Indian tricolor at Times Square celebrating the 44th Annual India Day Parade on August 15. 

The ceremony, held at the corner of Broadway between West 43rd and West 44th streets, drew a large crowd of community members, families, and visitors who gathered beneath the digital billboards of Times Square to mark India’s 80th Independence Day.

As the flag was raised on a stage draped in saffron, white, and green, the towers surrounding Times Square displayed messages reading “Indian Independence Day, August 15, 1947” and “Happy India Day 2026,” visible across the square alongside the Indian tricolor projected on jumbotron screens, according to a FIA statement. 

Emceed by Neetu Mohan, the ceremony opened with the flag-hoisting led by the Chief Guest alongside Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, and FIA President Sreekanth Akkapalli. The American national anthem was performed by Krisha Bhatt, followed by the Indian national anthem performed by Sunitha Upadrasta, added the statement.

Cultural performances followed, featuring dance presentations by Bolly Factor and the Kalashri Dance Academy. Remarks were then given by FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, FIA President Akkapalli, and Consul General Pradhan, followed by a message from the Chief Guest. The morning closed with a group photo session with dignitaries, board members, and the FIA executive team, followed by community celebrations and photos before a formal vote of thanks.

The Times Square Flag Hoisting is the second of three major events across FIA’s India Day weekend, following Friday’s ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building. The weekend culminated on August 16, with the 44th Annual India Day Parade on Madison Avenue, beginning at noon, followed by the Independence Grand Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in the evening.

The event was supported by sponsors including the State Bank of India, Zoho, and The Diaspora, with signage also recognizing the Consulate General of India in New York.

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