The 42nd India Day Parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE, in New York City on August 18, 2024, celebrated vibrant Indian culture, heritage, diversity and unity.
Thousands of people came together to honor India’s independence, highlighting the nation’s rich traditions through music, dance, and other colorful cultural expressions. The parade served as a powerful reminder of the strong and enduring bond between India and the United States, uniting the Indian diaspora and the broader community.
This year, the Consulate General of India in New York’s float which, “celebrated India’s incredible advancements in space exploration, showcasing the success of Chandrayaan and the excitement for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission,” noted “Our rapid growth in science and technology was on full display, filling us with immense pride. Indian tricolor united everyone in the spirit of freedom and progress.”
Swami Avdheshanand Guri Ji Maharaj, who was in the Ram Temple float told ANI “I have come to New York to participate in the India Day Parade at the invitation of the Indian American community. 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.”
“Ram Mandir’s float showcases that India’s culture considers the whole world as a family. It sees only one God in all the human beings. And our culture says that only one Brahma is all-encompassing….” he added.
Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha, Pankaj Tripathi, and Manoj Tiwari among others participated in the parade. Over 40 floats, 50 marching groups, and 30 marching bands were also featured during the parade.
