NEW YORK (TIP): It’s a season of parades to mark India‘s Independence. India won independence, on August 15, 1947 from the British colonial rule, after an almost 100 year’s grim struggle for independence.
The day of independence is of great significance in the life of the Indian nation. Whereas the day is celebrated with enthusiasm all over India, the Indian Diaspora in various countries across the world celebrate the day, as they do their social, religious and cultural events.
The Tri-States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have a sizable population of people of Indian origin. Their love of India- their country of origin is deeply reflected in their festivities on various occasions, including Independence Day of India.
Come August, and you have a number of organizations preparing to celebrate India’s Independence Day. In fact, the month of August is a season of parades to mark India’s Independence.
In the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the FIA parade is the oldest. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state area is one of the largest esteemed umbrella organizations in the Indian community. Established in the year 1970, the FIA has blossomed into a commendable organization that has become an effective mouthpiece and mobilizer for the community. Since 1981, the annual India Day Parade is held in New York City. On each Sunday after August 15, since 1981, it has hosted the India Day Parade. The underlying theme of the parade each year is showcasing Indian culture to mainstream communities in New York, aiding in better understanding of immigrants.
The parade begins on East 38th Street and continues down Madison Ave until it reaches 28th Street. At the review stand on 28th Street, the grand marshal and various celebrities greet onlookers. Throughout the parade, participants find themselves surrounded by the orange, white and green colors of the Indian flag. They can enjoy Indian food, merchandise booths, live dancing and music present at the Parade. After the parade is over, various cultural organizations and dance schools participate in program on 23rd Street and Madison Avenue until 6PM.
The 37th Annual India Day Parade on August 20, 2017 will begin at noon on 38th Street and Madison Avenue and end at 26th Street. Food court and sponsor booths will be on 26th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues while the cultural programs will continue through 6 pm on Madison Avenue, between 24th and 26th Streets.
Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah Bhatia, both stars of the recent massive Bollywood hit “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” had confirmed their participation in India Day Parade this year. In a first, the Indian Consulate is sponsoring a float this year to showcase India’s Northeast, its different cultures, tea gardens and investment opportunities. As in earlier years, a massive crowd is expected to converge on the India Day Parade, which organizers claim is the largest such event outside of India’s celebration of the country’s independence.
The second major one is IBA New Jersey Parade. For nearly two decades, the Indian Business Association (IBA) has served the New Jersey Indo-American community. IBA has garnered international fame as the host of the Annual New Jersey India Day Parade. Over 35,000 people attend every year and over 100 organizations throughout New Jersey participate in this historic event. It begins on Oak Tree Road in the township and ends in the Iselin section of Woodbridge. The 13th IBA parade will be held on Aug 13th from 2-7 pm.
From 2004 through 2010, there was a single parade along Oak Tree Road, starting at Grove Street and ending near Route 27 in Woodbridge.
In 2012 India Day New Jersey split into 2 parades after dispute between Woodbridge and Edison groups. For six years, there was just one parade, organized by IBA, which obtained permits in both townships. But days after the 2010 India Day Parade, the Oak Tree Business Association swooped in and got a permit to have a parade the following year in Edison. In 2011 two parades were planned but one didn’t happen due to rain.
The youngest parade is the Floral Park – Hillside parade in Queens. Last year, The Floral Park-Bellerose Indian Merchants Association (F-BIMA) hosted a grand festive parade in Bellerose to mark the 70th Anniversary of India’s Independence. This year the parade will be held on August 12th. It will start at 2 pm from 263th Street to 236th Street on Hillside Avenue in Queens.
Long Island‘s India Day Parade in Hicksville was also very popular. The parade came into existence 6 years ago when some of the leading members came forward. But the Hicksville parade is not being organized this year.