Boston Harbor Dazzles in Tricolor and Blue Stars at the 4th International India Day Parade

Bollywood star Jugal Hansraj leads a global celebration of unity, heritage, and freedom, featuring over 20 nations, historic tributes, and special honors at FIA–New England’s grand cultural showcase.  

The heart of Boston lit up in a spectacular blend of India’s saffron, white, and green tricolor alongside America’s iconic red, white, and blue as the 4th International India Day Parade unfolded at the historic Boston Harbor. Organized by the Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) – New England, the event united communities from across the globe in a celebration of freedom, unity, and shared heritage.

This year’s parade was headlined by Bollywood star Jugal Hansraj – an acclaimed filmmaker, actor, and author – who served as the Grand Marshal (Celebrity) of the celebration.

The celebration saw an impressive gathering of dignitaries. Subu Kota, Chairman of The Boston Group, joined as the Chief Guest, alongside the special representative of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Monique Tú Nguyen, and Piyush Singh, Indian IFS officer from the Consulate General of India in New York.

An equally distinguished list of Guests of Honor included Padma Shri Prof. S.P. Kothari (Former MIT Dean), Shri Ram & Mrs. Meetu Gupta, Mr. Sushil & Mrs. Alka Tuli (Chairman, Leader Bank), Prof. Dr. Balram Singh (Community Reformer), Rajendra Singh (Senior RANA Leader), Neela Gandhi, and several other prominent community leaders and philanthropists.

More than 20 countries participated in the grand parade, which was followed by a cultural extravaganza along the banks of the Charles River — a site rich with history and symbolic of the freedom struggles of both the United States and India.

This year’s parade featured special floats and thematic tributes honoring the first U.S. President, George Washington, and iconic Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A special highlight was the 150th Birth Anniversary tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.”

In a moving gesture, the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, issued a special proclamation declaring August 15th as India Day in the Commonwealth. The celebration also honored more than 200 seniors for their outstanding community service, presented scholarships to children with support from the Sudhir Parikh Foundation, and recognized veterans and extraordinary women achievers with the Governor’s Special Citation.

The cultural segment dazzled audiences with a stellar performance by the Amudhashri Dance Group, led by Dance Guru Kalaimangai Anbalagan, featuring over 32 young dancers showcasing India’s rich classical traditions. Other highlights included Dhol Tasha performances, the Veterans Band, and vibrant displays from diverse international groups, including the Nirankari Samaj.

The theme for this year, “United World, Shared Dream: Peace, Prosperity, and Progress”, was powerfully brought to life during a roundtable discussion that featured diplomats, community leaders, and cultural ambassadors. Speakers reflected on the shared democratic values and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous global community.

"The India Day Parade is not just about celebration – it is about honoring the shared struggles, values, and dreams that bind us together as a global family," said Abhishek Singh, President of FIA–New England.

The day ended on a high note with cheers, music, and heartfelt camaraderie — a testament to Boston’s inclusive spirit and the enduring friendship between India and the United States.

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