This year’s India Day Parade in New York will feature film stars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda as part of the 43rd Independence Day celebrations on August 14.
Film stars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are set to take part in the 43rd India Day Parade in New York on August 14, marking a highlight of this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Preparations for this significant event were discussed at a meeting held by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) at the Indian Consulate.
The meeting commenced with a solemn tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, large LED displays showcased images of Rashmika, known as “India’s beloved actress,” and Deverakonda. These images were accompanied by welcoming messages in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English.
During the preparations, Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan emphasized the FIA’s role in preserving the Indian-American identity, further underscoring the cultural significance of the parade.
This year’s parade is supported by title sponsor CrickMax Connect, whose CEO, Vinay Bhimjiani, revealed ambitious plans to elevate the popularity of cricket to that of soccer in the U.S. As part of these efforts, a celebration on July 14 at the Los Angeles Coliseum will commemorate cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.
Dr. Atul Rai, CEO of USA Cricket, mentioned that this year’s theme centers around the impact of sports in nation-building.
FIA President Saurin Parekh announced that the official theme for this year is “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” which translates to “May all be happy.”
Joint Treasurer Harish Shah also noted that the Indian flag will be hoisted at Times Square on August 15, and the Empire State Building will be illuminated in tricolor lights to celebrate Indian Independence Day.