Thousands march in India Day Parade in Queens, New York

With patriotic slogans and music, colorful floats and pageantry, thousands marched in the second India Day Parade on Hillside Avenue in Queens, New York, August 13, as crowds cheered on the sidewalk.

Bollywood actors Mahima Chaudhury and Tanusree Dutta led the parade, which was organized by the Bellerose-Floral Park Merchants Association.

New York City, which has the distinction of hosting the first India Day parade in the United States, gained another record for having a second parade in the city in the borough of Queens.

People from different communities joined the parade, making it an inclusive event as they showcased the diversity of India.

New York Police officers mounted on horses led the parade with officers from the NYPD Desi Society marching behind them.

The parade started on 263rd Street and ended on 236 Street, and the marchers converged at the Padavan-Feller Park grounds for the celebrations which included a cultural show.

The weather remained pleasant, but many people, fearing rain, came early to the park where huge tents had been erected.

The program started with a prayer by the Rev. Kevin F. McBrien, pastor at Our Lady of Snows Church. Hemant Shah, secretary of the merchant’s association, welcomed the people. Its president Subhash Kapadia spoke about the importance of celebrating India’s Independence Day. Parade chair Koshy Oommen welcomed the organizations that participated in the parade.

Harshad Patel, the main sponsor of the event, was honored at the main stage by the officials.

New York City Council member Barry Grodenchik greeted the parade as a celebration of diversity in the county which is home to people from more than 150 countries. He presented a city council proclamation honoring India’s Independence Day and the parade.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Congresswoman Grace Meng also issued proclamations recognizing the parade.

Actress Mahima Chaudhury said she had to leave the US to attend to her daughter’s school in Mumbai, but she returned after the organizers insisted on her presence at the parade. She said she was happy to join in a show of patriotism in another country.

Tanusree Dutta congratulated the people for organizing an impressive show honoring their motherland even though they now live in another country.

Nicole Malliotakis, Republican candidate for New York City mayor, Jerry Vattamala, candidate for Town of North Hempstead Council, and Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Comptroller of Nassau County, were among the speakers. Benny Itteera, a candidate for the New York City Council from the 23rd District, marched in the parade with his supporters. The primary is scheduled for September 12.

The idea of a parade in Queens was put forward by Subhash Kapadia, who used to lead the I-Day celebrations in Jackson Heights. Everyone welcomed it.
Queens has a special significance for the Indian community as many immigrants first arrive at JFK Airport in Queens, New York. A parade there is an occasion to remember their beginning in America, V.M. Chacko, a parade organizer, said.
The Jains of America, the Umiyaji Mataji Center, the Council of Indian Orthodox Churches, the Federation of Kerala Associations of Americas Kerala Center, the Indian Nurses Association, the India Association of Long Island, and the Indian Overseas Congress led by Shudh Parkash Singh were among the dozens of organizations that marched in the parade.

Hicksville, Long Island, is not hosting a parade this year, so many people, including Bobby K. Kalotee, noted community leader, came from there to attend the parade