IAGB India Day Draws More Than 4,000 in Acton

The India Association of Greater Boston has concluded its India Day 2026 celebrations commemorating India’s 80th Independence Day.

The program brought together thousands of people from across Greater Boston through flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, youth recognition, sports, and community partnerships.

The centerpiece, India Day 2026: “Colors of India,” was held Aug. 15 at the NARA Park Amphitheater in Acton. The event attracted more than 4,000 attendees, representing one of its strongest turnouts in recent years, according to a statement from IAGB.

Raghuram S., consul general of India in Boston, attended as the chief guest, while Anu Chitrapu, senior vice president and technology executive at Bank of America, served as the guest of honor. Both addressed attendees during the formal program.

“Their participation underscored the cultural significance of India Day and the enduring civic ties between India and the United States,” the statement said.

The celebration also received official recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Gov. Maura T. Healey issued a proclamation designating Aug. 15, 2026, as India Day in recognition of India’s independence and the contributions of the Indian diaspora.

The Massachusetts State Senate also issued a citation through state Sen. Jamie Eldridge recognizing IAGB and the Indian American community for their contributions to the Greater Boston region.

More than 200 performers took the stage to present dance, music, and other cultural arts. More than 40 New England organizations participated, highlighting the diversity and collective presence of the region’s Indian American community.

IAGB President Nilesh Agrawal described the turnout as an encouraging reflection of community support.

“India Day 2026 was one of our strongest community turnouts in recent years. Seeing more than 4,000 people come together to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day was truly inspiring. The energy, the performances, the unity, it all reflects the strength of our community and the dedication of our volunteers and partners,” Agrawal said.

The festival featured a 35,000-watt sound system, Kahoot trivia, interactive games, and raffle drawings. A marketplace featured several vendors and organizations, with Apna Bazar Farmers Market serving as the grand sponsor and Craft Indian Kitchen as the official food partner.

The celebration concluded with a DJ performance by Xtreme Productions and a flash mob led by Swasti Bhargava.

Earlier in the day, IAGB organized its inaugural tennis ball cricket tournament at NARA Park and Macpherson Field. Participating teams competed for championship and runner-up honors, along with awards for best batter and best bowler. Each participant received a commemorative T-shirt.

According to IAGB, the tournament was well received as a new addition to the annual India Day program.

During the formal ceremony, IAGB presented its 2026 Senior Scholarship Awards, supported by the Kapasi Family Foundation. Two graduating high school seniors received $500 scholarships for essays based on the theme “Colors of India: Stories That Inspire.”

IAGB Vice President Deepak Garg credited the event’s new location with helping improve the experience for attendees.

“The move to NARA Park proved to be a major success. The improved logistics and parking convenience made a noticeable difference for attendees. We are grateful to all partner organizations and performers who helped make this celebration memorable,” Garg said.

IAGB Secretary Asha Thotangare highlighted the broad participation across different age groups.

“The cultural performances, interactive games, and family activities brought joy to every age group. It was heartwarming to see children, youth, and adults participate together, truly showcasing the ‘Colors of India,’” Thotangare said.

IAGB Treasurer Vijay Ejenkar said extensive planning and partnerships supported the event’s scale and execution.

“We are proud of the scale and quality of this year’s event. From the 35,000-watt sound system to the cricket tournament and community booths, every element was thoughtfully planned. The support from our sponsors, including Apna Bazar Farmers Market and Craft Indian Kitchen, played a key role in this success,” Ejenkar said.

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