NEW YORK: A fly-past by a 220 ft-long majestic Indian tricolour, made of Khadi, over the iconic Hudson river and the display of a giant billboard at the Times Square are among the highlights of the grand celebrations planned to mark 75 years of India’s Independence here this week.
The Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE (FIA) has planned a plethora of special events to celebrate India’s 75 years of Independence – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav this year.
The commemoration will start with the hoisting of the Indian national flag, made of Khadi, at Times Square on August 15. As in previous years, the iconic Empire State Building will also be lit up in hues of Indian tricolour.
FIA said that as part of its grand celebrations to mark 75 years of India’s independence under the auspices of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the diaspora organisation will display a giant ‘India Day Parade’ billboard at Times Square on August 15.
Further, a special 220 feet-long Indian tricolour, made of Khadi, will be flown over the Hudson River here, FIA said adding that this will be a one-of-its-kind special fly-past of the ‘largest Indian tricolour’ over the iconic river and will be witnessed by thousands.
FIA President Kenny Desai announced that the Grand Marshal at FIA’s 40th India Day Parade on August 21 will be Arjun, the Telugu superstar whose movies have been a hit across India.
He also expressed happiness and excitement over the largest Khadi Tirangaa to be flown on August 15 over the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Alfonso Browne, NASA astronaut Raja Chari, renowned artists Shankar Mahadevan and Kailash Kher, cricketing legends Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose are among the Guests of Honor for the India Day Parade.
At this year’s parade, FIA said attempts will be made to set the Guinness World Records for the ‘Most Different Flags Flown simultaneously’ and the ‘Largest Ensemble Damaru.
‘ Pan-India mega star Allu Arjun, who starred in blockbuster ‘Pushpa’, will lead the annual India Day Parade here next month organised by a leading Indian diaspora organisation.
Arjun, as the Grand Marshal, will lead the parade along with the New York City Mayor and a host of other distinguished dignitaries and celebrities.
The FIA India Day parade is considered the largest parade outside India to mark the country’s independence and brings together thousands of members of the diaspora for one of the biggest cultural extravaganzas in the US.
—PTI

Press Trust of India