The India Day Parade NYC is New York City’s big Indian Independence Day celebration. It is the world’s largest Indian Parade outside of India.
[By the way, Indians are Latin through the former British Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago where Indian descent is the most common heritage. Editor Kíko Keith ~ The Parsi side of my family lived in India for over 1,000 years.]
43rd India Day Parade NYC 2025
Like most national parades, New York City’s India Day Parade is a series of events including a flag raising, Empire State Building lighting, parade, street fair, and gala.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Spirit of India.”
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Honorees
Grand Marshals are Indian actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, who many will remember from the hit romantic comedy “Geetha Govindam” (2018).
- Rashmika Mandanna is an award-winning Indian actress. Her breakthrough was the romantic comedy “Geetha Govindam” (2018). Her career has only grown since then. @rasmika_mandanna
- Vijay Deverakonda is an Indian actor and film producer. His breakthrough was Pelli Choopuli (2016). @thedeverakonda
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Times Square Lighting Ceremony
The India Day Parade 2025 Times Square Lighting Ceremony is at Broadway and 43rd St in Times Square, Manhattan; on Friday, August 15, 2025 at sundown (around 7:54pm). 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Empire State Building Lighting Ceremony
The Empire State Building will light up with the colors of the Indian flag; on Indian Independence Day, Friday, August 15, 2025 at sundown (around 7:54pm). 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Times Square Flag Raising
As part of the India Day Parade 2025 celebrations, actor and movie producer Vijay Deverakonda will raise the Indian flag at Broadway and 43rd St, in Times Square, Manhattan; on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:30am. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC 2025
The India Day Parade NYC 2025 marches down Madison Avenue from 38th St to 27th St; on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 12noon. One of the Parade highlights will be a record-breaking Jagannath Rath Yatra, a giant wooden chariot pulled by more than 200 people. This Hindu festival celebrates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s house. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Cultural Festival
The India Day Parade NYC 2025 Cultural Festival is on Madison Avenue at 24th St; on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 2-5pm. FREE with food and crafts for purchase. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Gala
India Day Parade NYC 2025 Gala is at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan’s Financial District; on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 6pm. 🇮🇳
42nd India Day Parade NYC 2024
Like most national parades, New York City’s India Day Parade is a series of events including a flag raising, Empire State Building lighting, parade, street fair, and gala.
This year’s theme is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or One India, One World, One Family.
India Day Parade 2024 Honorees
Actress Sonakshi Sinha is Grand Marshal.
- Manoj Tiwari, MP, actor and singer, is Guest of Honor.
- Pankaj Tripathi, actor, is Guest of Honor.
- Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ju Maharaj, spiritual leader of Juna Akhada, is the Chief Guest.
- Zaheer Iqball, actor, is VIP Guest.
India Day Parade 2024 Flag Raising
The Indian flag will be raised in Times Square on Broadway between 44th and 45th St; on Indian Independence Day, Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 10am. 🇮🇳
Empire State Building 2024 Lighting
The Empire State Building will light up with the colors of the Indian flag; on Indian Independence Day, Thursday, August 15, 2024. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade 2024
New York City’s 2024 India Day Parade marches down Madison Avenue from 38th St to the reviewing stand on 28th St; on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 12noon. It ends at the Indian culture street fair on Madison Avenue and 26th St which goes until 6pm. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade Food Festival 2024
The 2024 India Day Parade food festival and cultural programs are on Madison Avenue along Madison Square Park and on 26th St; on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 12-6pm. FREE. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade Gala 2024
The 2024 India Day Parade Gala features cocktails, celebrities, entertainment, dinner and dancing at the National Museum of the American Indian in Manhattan’s Financial District; on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 6-10pm. 🇮🇳
India Day Parade NYC
New York City’s India Day Parade celebrates Indian independence from Britain on August 15, 1947. It is the largest Indian Independence Day celebration outside of India. More than 150,000 people usually watch the parade.
The Parade is organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).
Information
Facebook @fianynjct.org
Instagram @federationofindianassociations
YouTube @FIANYNJCT-USA