Thousands of people participated in the India Day Parade held in New York City on August 18, celebrating India’s independence with vibrant displays of culture and heritage.
The parade featured a float depicting Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, which was consecrated in January this year. The float, measuring 18 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet high, was crafted primarily in India and flown in by air cargo, news agency ANI reported.
It was adorned with flowers and showcased the architectural beauty of the temple. The float drew attention as it moved down Madison Avenue, accompanied by patriotic and religious songs, while participants waved Indian flags, danced, and played traditional dhol drums.
#WATCH | Visuals of India Day Parade from New York; a carnival float featuring Ram Mandir is also part of the parade pic.twitter.com/EJ25i3JWhy— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024
The parade, organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), also included over 40 floats, more than 50 marching groups, and 30 marching bands, along with Bollywood guests Sonakshi Sinha and Pankaj Tripathi. The event featured a festival atmosphere with a stage for cultural performances and numerous food vendors.
#WATCH | BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, actors Sonakshi Sinha and Pankaj Tripathi attend India Day parade in New York pic.twitter.com/RsriTVTzte— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024
However, the inclusion of the Ram Mandir float sparked controversy. A group representing Indian American Muslims withdrew their float from the parade, citing concerns that the Ram Mandir float promotes anti-Muslim sentiment. In response to the backlash, the FIA defended the float as a celebration of a significant Hindu landmark, underlining the parade’s representation of India’s diverse cultures.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, who attended the event, expressed pride in the cultural showcases. “I have come to New York to participate in the India Day Parade at the invitation of the Indian-American community. People are enthusiastic as they participate in the India Day Parade. Different tableaus featuring India’s divine culture, our Kalajayi, Mrityunjaya, and Sanatan culture, and its values are seen here. All tableaus are very wonderful here,” he told ANI.
During the parade, a group from the Indian-American community raised concerns about the human rights situation facing Hindus in Bangladesh. “We have come here to bring attention to the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh. We are very concerned that what happened in 1971 could repeat itself,” a representative from the Hindu-American community said.
Comments
0 comment