FIA Holds World's Largest India Day Parade Outside of India
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Over 150,000 people were in attendance for the 38th India Day Parade on August 19, in New York City. The parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut (FIA), commemorated the 72nd Independence Day of India, and was the largest celebration of India's Independence outside of the country itself.
The 2018 India Day Parade was overseen by FIA-NY-NJ-CT President Srujal Parikh, who was elected as the new leader at the end of last year. Parikh selected the theme of this year's parade as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ? the world is one family. People from all walks of life came to join in on the celebration of Indian independence, pride, and culture. The day-long event included Indian cuisine, activities, and performances for all to enjoy.
Padma Shri & Padma Bhushan Kamal Haasan served as Grand Marshal for the parade. The legendary actor/director/singer/politician was joined by his daughter, actress Shruti Haasan, as well as Chief Guest singer Kailash Kher, and Guests of Honor cricket player Sir Vivian Richards, actor Anupam Kher, pop singer Shibani Kashyap, and singer Mickey Singh, as well as Shri Dwarkeshlalyi Maharaj. Pyar.com, the modern dating app catering to the South Asian community across the globe, was Title Sponsor this year and played a major role in supporting the event. Pyar.com helps singles find meaningful matches and lasting connections. Through innovative filtering, strong security and verification, stellar customer service, and an experience that resonates with those at any stage of relationship readiness, Pyar.com helped represent love and unity at the celebration.
The parade featured 38 decorative floats, 42 marching groups, and 5 marching bands, which were greeted by thousands of people who lined Madison Avenue. Among the organizations who participated was Pyar.com, who served as Title Sponsor for the India Day Parade. Other floats included Air India, Royal Albert's Palace/TV9, Daily News, Dunkin Donuts, the Consulate General of India in New York, Ripley's New York, BCB Indus American Bank, Sony TV, Pyar.com, Sling TV, American Associations of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Star TV, State Bank of India, the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), Aapka Colors, and Indo American Arts Council.
A cultural program followed the parade, featuring local talent, celebrity performances, and words of inspiration from the distinguished guests. Food stalls and sponsor booths were set up as well.
Prior to the parade, the FIA, along with other Indian American community organizations, commemorated India's 72nd Independence Day by lighting up monuments throughout the world with the colors of the Indian flag, including the Empire State Building.
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Indian community, representing over 500,000 Asian-Indians with grass root support. Established in 1970, FIA was founded on the premise of promoting ethnic solidarity through various programs, events, community service and cultural activities. Over the past forty years, FIA has organized hundreds of events celebrating India's culture and supporting community initiatives.
SOURCE Federation of Indian Associations
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