Community excited over 1st India Day Parade in Long Island

Hicksville, NY: The Inaugural India Day Parade of Long Island on August 11 now has a Grand Marshall in Bollywood superstar Vinod Khanna and it continues to garner endorsements from elected officials.

Long Island is abuzz with the excitement looking to celebrate India’s 66th Independence Day in style in Hicksville at the parade with the theme "Celebrating Democracy and Unity."

Conveners of the Parade made the announcement past week of the Grand Marshall of the Parade. Vinod Khanna will take his place of honor at the Review Stand with many other dignitaries as the marchers go past with great pomp and revelry! The 3-day celebratory event commences with the Parade on August 11 starting at 1.00 p.m. from Patel Plaza on Broadway and culminates at the Asamai Temple on East Barclay St.

On August 15, the actual Independence Day, there will be an Indian Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Nassau County Legislative Offices in Mineola, which will be beautifully decorated in the tri-colors of the Indian national flag – saffron, white and green.

The 3-day celebrations conclude with the Gala Dinner on August 17, at SUNY Campus in Old Westbury.

Many colorful floats depicting the rich and ancient heritage and history of India are expected to participate, lining the Parade route, creating excitement. Aromatic foods and vendor stands are expected to be on display, while on the stage an unending feast of classical and cultural dances and performances will continue non-stop.

Besides Nassau County Executive, Hon. Ed Mangano, who is already supporting the parade, Hon. Jon Kaiman, Supervisor, Town of North Hempstead, has also expressed support for the pageantry the Parade will produce and the ethnic diversity of the towns we live in.

It is estimated that over 10,000 people will participate in the Parade with a large number of public officials – federal, state and county – joining in the jubilant festivities.

The conveners of the inaugural event, Gobind Munjal, Harender Singh, Indu Jaiswal, Kamlesh Mehta and Mohinder Taneja are joined by many Indian organizations, community leaders and individuals to make the event a success and lay the foundation for a solid annual event.