Large crowds were gathering, Indian patriotic songs like Vande Mataram, and slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” were ringing out in the background, and NYPD personnel on motor bikes with Indian flags tucked in their front pockets, were on the ready for the kickoff of one of the largest parades in New York City Sunday August 17, 2025.
It was the Federation of Indian Associations’ (FIA- NY-NJ-CT-NE) 43rd Annual India Day Parade. Organizers estimated hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators were on the Madison Avenue route to witness a spectacular celebration of Indian culture and heritage.
This year’s parade theme was “Sarve Sukhina Bhavantu” (May All Be Happy and Prosperous), a spirit of universal well-being and unity that defines the Indian-American community, organizers said.
While participants were trying to grab a front viewing position on the sidewalks, media including ITV Gold/Parikh Worldwide Media, and numerous other media outlets, were going around taking in opinions and messages from those gathered.
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At the helm of the Parade were charismatic Grand Marshals from India’s film industry, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, for whom crowds cheered and surged to the barricades.
Speaking to ITV Gold, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, said it was important to remember the heroes of India’s independence while celebrating. “This is a great opportunity to connect the Diaspora and improve US – India relations,” he said.
Among the dignitaries and high-profile guests were NYC Mayor Eric Adams who praised the Indian American community’s significant contributions to the Big Apple. “Such a beautiful turnout, beautiful weather. We want to say keep doing the great things you’re doing in the city,” he said.
United States Congressman Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan, told ITV Gold he was excited to attend the parade and felt the palpable enthusiasm. It was time for the younger generation to be more involved in politics and consider it as a career option, he said.
India’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, in his remarks, praised the diaspora. “It’s a truly momentous day to see India being celebrated on Madison Avenue with hundreds of thousands of people. This only signifies the prominence of the Indian American community and what you have achieved in this country,” Pradhan said. It was a matter of pride to see India spread all around New York and America, he told Desi Talk. “My message to the younger generation …. Retaining Indian culture and holding the American values would be a great combination for the second and third generations,” CG Pradhan said.
Indian Member of Parliament, Satnam Singh Sandhu, who is on the Standing Committee on External Affairs and Consultative Committee on Education, came all the way to attend the two-day celebration for the second time.
Others present were local and state leaders including Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh, and Sibu Nair, director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, New York State Executive Chamber. Also present was Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, president of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
FIA President Saurin Parikh expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming community support and participation. “This parade represents the strength and unity of our community. Seeing families from across the tri-state area come together to celebrate our rich heritage fills me with immense pride. The success of this event reflects our collective commitment to preserving and sharing Indian culture with future generations.”
FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya emphasized the parade’s significance in strengthening cultural bonds. “The 43rd India Day Parade has once again demonstrated the vibrant spirit of the Indian-American community. This celebration honors our traditions while showcasing how beautifully our culture integrates with American values. We are proud to organize this platform that brings together diverse communities in celebration of our shared heritage.”
The parade featured 34 spectacular floats, 21 marching groups, and 20 cultural performances representing India from east to west and north to south. Among the highlights was ISKCON’s Divine Jagannath Rath Yatra Chariot, which appeared the tallest of all. The parade route stretched through Manhattan, displaying India’s diversity with the array of culturally, religiously, and artistically significant floats.
Participants wore colorful traditional attire and moved to the energetic rhythms of Indian music.
Title sponsor Cricmax Connect’s float reflected the American youth cricket revolution, bearing the potential of becoming a familiar site in American playgrounds, FIA said in the press release. A large number of children played box cricket at Madison and Park Avenue, portraying the growing popularity of the sport.
The celebration extended beyond the parade with 38 cultural booths featuring community exhibitions and interactive programs showcasing reflecting India’s heritage.
Following the parade, the festivities continued at the Cultural Stage with a variety of performances spanning both timeless traditional forms and exciting contemporary expressions of Indian music and dance. Adding to the fun was one of the main attractions: the lively Paani Puri Contest, which saw enthusiastic participation from the community.
FIA said this year’s Parade “stands as the largest celebration of Indian culture in New York City.” It also recognized the support received from numerous partners including The Consulate General of India-NY, Dunkin, Mount Sinai, Axria, SBI, RWJ Barnabas, Times Network, JetBlue, ICICI Bank, Option Group, AIF, Bansal Foundation, Mehta Foundation, Tak Group, Insta Service, Faith Home Healthcare, Bombino, Andaaz, Siddhivinayak Temple-USA, BJANA, GANA, AAPI, MOCAAPI, and Empire State Building.