India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB)

IAGB’s Republic Day Mela 2026 Draws Thousands for a Day of Culture, Community, and Celebration

The India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) proudly announced the successful completion of its Republic Day Mela 2026, held on January 24th at Burlington High School. The event brought together thousands of attendees from across New England for a full day of cultural performances, competitions, community showcases, and family‑friendly activities. This year’s theme, “India in Harmony: The Five Elements,” served as a creative thread connecting performances and exhibits throughout the venue.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts honored the occasion with an official proclamation, as Governor Maura T. Healey declared January 26, 2026, as Republic Day of India. IAGB extends its sincere gratitude to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of the Commonwealth for recognizing the significance of this day for the Indian‑American community.

Distinguished Guests

IAGB was honored to welcome several esteemed leaders and community champions:

• Chief Guest: Dr. Purnanand Sarma – CEO, Aro Biotherapeutics & President, TiE Boston
• Community Catalyst Award: Girish Mehta – Founder & Executive Director, ICC
• Guests of Honor:
• Ms. Shruthi Purushotam – Deputy Consul General of India, Boston
• Dr. Manju Sheth – President, India New England Multimedia & Women Who Win

Each guest shared thoughtful remarks recognizing IAGB’s role in fostering unity, cultural pride, and civic engagement across Greater Boston.

A Day Filled with Culture and Community Engagement

The Mela featured an impressive lineup of performances and activities, including:

• 300+ performers across classical, folk, Bollywood, fusion, and thematic showcases
• 150+ participants in art, chess, shark tank, music, and math competitions
• 35+ partner organizations, supporters, and media partners representing the region’s vibrant Indian community across New England
• A bustling Mela marketplace with local vendors, community booths, and cultural exhibits
• A lively food court with offerings from The Treasury: Indian & Greek Kitchen

The event concluded with a high‑energy performance by Dhwani Band, bringing the entire auditorium to its feet.

Leadership Reflections

IAGB President Nilesh Agrawal expressed deep appreciation for the community’s overwhelming participation and the dedication of the Executive Committee, volunteers, choreographers, performers, sponsors, and partner organizations who contributed to the event’s success.

IAGB Vice President Deepak Garg supported key program areas, including coordination of competitions and youth‑focused segments, ensuring smooth execution throughout the day.

Together, the leadership team emphasized that the celebration reaffirmed IAGB’s mission to strengthen cultural connection, civic engagement, and community pride across Greater Boston.

Looking Ahead

IAGB will continue its year‑round programming with upcoming cultural, civic, and community service initiatives. Photos, videos, and event highlights will be available on www.iagb.org and IAGB’s social media platforms.

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