Vibrant India Day Parade in NYC Commemorates Indian Independence Day

Thousands of Indian-Americans gathered in New York City to celebrate Indian Independence Day through the annual India Day Parade. Highlights included a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, culturally rich floats, and appearances by notable actors. Despite the event’s celebration of inclusion, it faced criticism for the Ram Mandir float.

Thousands of Indian-Americans gathered in the heart of New York City to commemorate Indian Independence Day, featuring a spectacular Ayodhya Ram Mandir tableau at the annual India Day Parade.

Madison Avenue was transformed into a sea of India's tri-colour as the 42nd Annual India Day Parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE (FIA), unfolded. The air resonated with popular Indian patriotic and movie songs as the diaspora community, adorned in traditional and tri-colour-themed attire, celebrated the occasion.

The parade's star attraction was the 18-foot-long Ram Mandir replica. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the original Ram Mandir in Ayodhya earlier this year. "Ram Bhagwan is back in Ayodhya, and we are bringing the Ram Mandir float here for all Hindus in America. Shri Ram is home," said Amitabh VW Mittal, General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America.

The float, described as "phenomenal," was widely admired, with participants chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai.' Renowned actors Pankaj Tripathi and Manoj Tiwari were Guests of Honor, with Sonakshi Sinha serving as the Grand Marshal.

FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta emphasized the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' celebrating democracy, unity in diversity, and inclusiveness.

However, the inclusion of the Ram Mandir float drew criticism from human rights and interfaith organizations, who urged New York officials to condemn what they labeled an 'anti-Muslim float.' FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya defended the parade's tradition of inclusion and diversity, calling for peaceful opposition to what he termed as hate-filled bigotry.

(With inputs from agencies.)