Long Island’s 13th India Day Parade Celebrates 78th Independence Day with Record Participation and Enthusiastic Celebrations

The 13th annual India Day Parade took place in Hicksville, New York, on August 25, marking a vibrant celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day. The event, held along South Broadway, saw a record turnout, with tens of thousands of attendees, as well as an impressive 50 marching groups and 11 elaborate floats. The parade was organized by IDP USA, and this year’s event was noted for its grandeur and scale, surpassing previous parades according to the organizers.

The parade was a spectacular display of Indian culture and patriotism, featuring a variety of floats that captivated the crowd. Among these were replicas of iconic Indian landmarks, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the latter of which was consecrated earlier this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A float dedicated to Lord Ganesha was also featured, along with others representing various organizations such as the Arya Samaj of Long Island and LIPAC. The parade also saw a surprising and much-appreciated participation by the Hicksville School Marching Band, along with 25 motorcycle riders, both of which were major highlights for the spectators.

The event was a “grand success,” as described in the press release by IDP USA. The organization, led by co-Presidents Vimal Goyal and Deepak Bansal, along with their team and Nassau County Human Rights Commission Chair Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Their efforts were clearly reflected in the smooth execution and the large-scale participation that the parade witnessed.

The parade was graced by several prominent personalities, adding to its appeal. Actress and politician Jaya Prada Nahata, along with actress Neetu Chandra, served as the Celebrity Grand Marshals, drawing significant attention and delighting their fans. Dr. Urmilesh Arya took on the role of the Community Grand Marshal, further emphasizing the event’s community-driven spirit. India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya S. Pradhan, was represented by Vishal Jayesh Bhai Harsh, Consul (Economy, HOC & CPIO), and Anurag. Other notable figures included Harry Singh Bolla of Bolla Oil, Shudh Prakash Singh, and Dr. Jay Sarkar, who were honored as Chief Guests.

The event was not just a parade but a celebration that brought together a diverse group of dignitaries and elected officials. Those who addressed the enthusiastic crowd included Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, New York State Senate members Steve Rhoads and Jack Martins, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, and Town of North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, among others. Their presence underscored the significance of the event, which not only celebrated India’s independence but also highlighted the strong ties between the Indian-American community and local leaders.

The parade was characterized by a lively atmosphere filled with patriotic fervor. Throughout the route, attendees waved the Indian tricolor and chanted slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind,’ creating an environment of unity and national pride. The celebrations extended beyond the parade, culminating in a large gathering at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) parking lot, where over 55 booths were set up, attracting a continuous stream of visitors.

One of the event’s most appreciated aspects was the provision of free, delicious meals to all attendees, a gesture by IDP USA that was widely praised. Additionally, Bolla Market set up free carnival games for children, further enhancing the family-friendly nature of the event. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, featuring performances of popular Bollywood and Punjabi songs by well-known artists like Rex D’Souza and his live band, Indian Idol Khuda Baksh, and Bhangra King Sarabjeet Cheema. Their performances kept the crowd engaged and added to the celebratory mood.

The event also saw spontaneous celebrations near the stage, where several members of the IDP Team, including Chairman Bobby Kalotee, President Vimal Goyal, Past Presidents Jay Jasbir Singh and Indu Jaiswal, Senior Vice Presidents Nilima Madan and Bina Sabapathy, along with many team members and other participants, danced with joy. Their lively participation was a testament to the community’s deep connection to the event and their shared pride in celebrating India’s independence.

The 13th India Day Parade in Long Island was a resounding success, marked by record participation, vibrant cultural displays, and enthusiastic community involvement. The event not only celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day but also showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Indian-American community in Long Island, creating lasting memories for all who attended.