A Joyous First: Lexington’s Indian Americans Celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day with Unity, Culture, and Community Spirit

On the warm and golden evening of Friday, August 15, 2025, Hastings Park in Lexington was beautifully decorated in Indian white, saffron and green by Ruby Boyanapalli and came alive with music, dance, and the vibrant energy of over 300 people gathered to mark a historic occasion — the Indian Americans of Lexington’s (IAL) inaugural Indian Independence Day picnic. Celebrating the 78th anniversary of India’s liberation from colonial rule, the event was not only a cultural showcase but also a testament to community spirit, collaboration, and shared values.

What made this celebration especially memorable was the scale and spirit of partnership: IAL brought together 23 local community organizations, making the event a true grassroots effort. Colorful booths featuring Indian vendors, henna artists, and a wide variety of games like cricket, chess, cornhole, and Connect Four (courtesy of the town) created a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Mouthwatering Indian cuisine from Nirvana added an irresistible flavor to the evening.

The entertainment program, emceed by respected community member Sonali Doshi, featured a diverse and meaningful lineup. The event opened with a stirring rendition of “Vande Mataram,” sung by Bijay Basu of the Indian Seniors of Lexington. The song — India’s national song and a symbol of freedom since 1882 — was performed with emotion and reverence, setting the tone for the evening.

A pulse-raising performance followed by two young Sikh musicians representing SANT (Sikh Association of Neighboring Towns) showcased the dhol, the thunderous Punjabi drum that had the crowd clapping and moving to its infectious rhythm. Another standout moment came with What’s Love, a heartfelt original song-and-dance piece choreographed and performed by Jayshree Bala Rajamani and Mary Ross, blending tradition and contemporary expression.

And just when the crowd thought the energy couldn’t go higher, the beloved Swasti Bhargava led a joyous flash mob dance, drawing in attendees of all ages and backgrounds. The dance floor became a sea of movement and laughter, embodying the unifying power of music and celebration.

Yet, the evening was more than just entertainment — it was a moment of reflection and connection. Tying the event to Lexington’s broader LEX250 commemorations, historian and educator Sean Osborne, Co-founder of the American Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL) drew a powerful historical link between India’s and America’s struggles for independence. “The Revolutionary War was a world war,” he reminded the audience, with France and Spain aiding freedom fighters around the globe, including efforts that undermined British power in India. He offered a memorable trivia gem: “The last battle of the Revolutionary War wasn’t Yorktown, but the Battle of Cuddalore in 1783 — in the Bay of Bengal!”

heart of the evening came with the joint flag-raising ceremony, a moving tribute to both Indian and American identities. Lexington Select Board members Vineeta Kumar, Mark Sandeen, and Joe Pato presided over the ceremony, where both national anthems were sung with pride and passion. The Indian tricolor was hoisted alongside the stars and stripes — a moment of poignant unity that echoed the values of democracy and freedom shared by both nations.

Shubrah Chandra’s rendition of the American national anthem was followed by the Indian anthem led powerfully by Neha Rathi. Hundreds of voices, young and old, joined in — some emotional, all proud — in a unified chorus that truly captured the spirit of the occasion.

Remarks from local leaders underscored the day’s significance. Joe Pato celebrated the two democracies that emerged from their own struggles for freedom, urging the community to let the spirit of independence inspire greater civic engagement. Vineeta Kumar, Lexington’s first woman of color to chair the Select Board, offered a powerful call to action: “We are heirs to a remarkable legacy and stewards of an even greater responsibility. Let’s continue to be a peaceful, positive force and lift others as we rise.”

This first-ever celebration of Indian Independence Day in Lexington was more than an event — it was a landmark moment of shared pride, intercultural connection, and community unity. As attendees departed under the twilight sky, many shared the hope that this would become an annual tradition — one that celebrates not just India’s freedom, but the deep contributions of Indian Americans to Lexington’s civic, cultural, and spiritual life. They were very appreciative of IAL’s effort in organizing an event of this magnitude with other community partners that really captured the different flavors of India - food, clothing, decorations, henna, music, dance, sports - and were especially moved by the raising of the Indian flag and the singing of the national anthem.