Tricolour glistens Times Square skyline as Indian diaspora celebrates 80th Independence Day in New York | Watch

On India's 80th Independence Day, the Indian-American diaspora in New York City celebrated the historic occasion in Times Square with a grand parade and festivities. The event, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), featured flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional dances, and speeches that highlighted the contributions of the Indian community to the American economy.

The celebrations were led by Consul General Binaya Pradhan, who raised the Tricolour flag to mark India's 79 years of independence. The event was attended by prominent figures such as New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, US Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, and local elected leaders. To celebrate both India's 80th anniversary and America's 250th anniversary, several US states declared 15 August as "India Day," including Delaware, New York, Ohio, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The festivities also included record-breaking achievements, such as setting a Guinness World Record for the "Largest Flagpole Number," and the illumination of various iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, in the colors of the Indian flag. The India Day Parade, organized by FIA, will continue to be held on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, featuring floats, tableaux, and cultural performances, with thousands of Indian diaspora members expected to participate.