Are you planning on attending the 2018 India Day Parade in New York City? It’s scheduled for this weekend in Midtown, Manhattan, and here’s what you need to know.
This year marks the 38th India Day Parade, which is put on each year by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). The NYC India Day Parade, according to the FIA, is the largest Indian Parade in America. For three years in a row, the parade has attracted a crowd of more than 180,000 visitors. The event acts as a “mouthpiece for the diverse Indian-Asian population in the United States,” FIA says.
The FIA represents more than 500,000 Asian-Indians in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and was first established in 1970. Since 1981, the organization has held an annual India Day Parade in New York City as part of its mission to “project a truthful and real image of India to the mainstream community,” and to unite the diverse ethnic communities in the city.
The parade also serves as a celebration of India’s Independence Day, and this year the event is commemorating the country’s 72nd Independence Day. The 2018 India Day Parade Grand Marshal is Kamal Haasan, an Indian politician, film actor, dancer, film director and more.
The 2018 India Day Parade will have the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” News India Times reported, which translates to “the world is one family.”
When is the 2018 India Day Parade in NYC?
The 2018 India Day Parade is Sunday, August 19, from 12 to 6 p.m.
The parade will step off at noon from Madison Ave. and East 38th St.
The 2018 India Day Parade will feature nearly 40 floats, 20 marching groups and six professional bands, according to FIA. Along with these attractions, you can enjoy Indian food, merchandise booths, live dancing and music at the event, per the organizers.
2018 India Day Parade Route Map
The 2018 India Day Parade will kick off at Madison Ave. and East 38th Street and travel down Madison Ave. to East 25th – 26th streets, where the cultural programs of the celebration will be held from 1 to 6 p.m.
Here’s the parade map from the FIA:
2018 India Day Parade Street Closures
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, the following streets will be closed on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Indian Day Parade, at the discretion of NYPD.
Formation:
– 37th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
– 38th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
Route:
– Madison Avenue between 38th Street and 27th Street
Dispersal:
– 27th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
Festival:
– 26th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue
– Madison Avenue between 24th Street and 26th Street
