USA (Commonwealth Union)_ On Sunday, thousands of Indian-Americans gathered in New York City to commemorate India’s 79th Independence Day with a spectacular celebration of Indian culture and patriotism. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) organizes the annual India Day Parade, which is one of the largest such events outside of India. This year, it once again turned Manhattan into a sea of color, music, and national pride. Additionally, the parade’s Grand Marshals, Indian actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, drew applause from spectators who lined the streets, particularly around Times Square. The procession brought together not just the Indian diaspora but also various dignitaries and public celebrities who engaged in the festivities.
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Notably, in attendance were Congressman Shri Thanedar, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Indian Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu, among others. The Indian Consulate in New York was prominent in planning the events, working closely with neighborhood groups to make the festival a grand event. In a social media message, the Consulate General of India in New York thanked all attendees and supporters. “Celebrating the 79th Independence Day at the India Day Parade in New York, the largest parade celebration outside India,” the message read. “We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman Shri Thanedar, Mayor Eric Adams, and Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu, along with other dignitaries, for joining the celebrations.”
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This year’s parade featured a float sponsored by the Indian Consulate with the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which describes India’s objective of being a fully developed nation by the country’s 100th anniversary of independence. The float represented India’s accomplishments in technology, digital transformation, and infrastructure, as well as its resolve to create a modern, inclusive, and self-sufficient nation. The incident also coincided with Shri Krishna Janmashtami, a Hindu holiday. Accordingly, ISKCON New York participated by staging a beautiful Rath Yatra (chariot parade), which attracted hundreds of devotees and added a spiritual depth to the day’s celebrations.
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Meanwhile, the community warmly welcomed Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda. The community saw the two actors, who costarred in the hit film Geetha Govindam, interacting with fans, waving from the parade float, and posing for selfies. They also participated in the flag-hoisting ceremony in Times Square with consulate and FIA officers. Photos and videos from the event rapidly circulated on social media, with many fans praising the performers’ friendly interactions and excitement despite the summer heat. One widely distributed video showed the couple briefly holding hands while going through the crowd, drawing cheers from onlookers. Both performers wore traditional Indian clothes during the occasion. Rashmika donned an exquisitely decorated salwar suit with a scarlet dupatta and stunning jewelry, while Vijay picked a majestic beige kurta.
Their performances were praised not only for their style but also for their understanding of the event’s cultural importance. The actors put a personal touch on the celebrations by commemorating seven years since the release of their film Geetha Govindam. Rashmika posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “I can’t believe I still have all these pictures from 7 years ago… Geetha Govindam will always be the most special film.” The two are set to reunite on-screen in an upcoming film directed by Rahul Sankrityan, currently titled VD 14. As the procession concluded, the mood in New York remained celebratory, with music, dancing performances, and street vendors selling Indian food, which reminded many guests of home. The India Day Parade was more than simply a celebration; it served as a poignant reminder of the cultural pride and solidarity shared by the Indian diaspora throughout the world.
