Bollywood Stars, Indian Dignitaries Shine at New York City's India Day Parade

The India Day Parade in New York City featured Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha and Pankaj Tripathi, along with BJP MP Manoj Tiwari. The event saw over 40 floats and numerous cultural performances. However, controversy arose with the withdrawal of a Muslim group's float, citing bias concerns.

Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha and Pankaj Tripathi, alongside Bharatiya Janata Party MP Manoj Tiwari, participated in the vibrant India Day Parade held in New York City. The parade marched down Madison Avenue, celebrating India's culture and independence.

Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), the event featured more than 40 elaborate floats, over 50 marching groups, and 30 marching bands. A cultural festival complemented the parade, showcasing performances, booths, and food vendors. The centerpiece was a carnival float depicting the Ram Temple from Ayodhya, adorned with flowers and symbolic elements.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj emphasized the parade's message of cultural unity and peace, highlighting the Ram Mandir float. Ankur Vaidya, FIA Chairman, reiterated the event's diversity and importance in promoting harmony. However, the event faced controversy as an Indian American Muslim group withdrew their float, alleging bias, while FIA defended the inclusion of the Hindu cultural float as a celebration of diversity.

(With inputs from agencies.)