Thousands celebrate at India Day Parade along Madison Avenue

The 35th annual India Day Parade took place today along a 13-block stretch of Madison Avenue.

The parade, which featured a bagpipe band in kilts, headed south from East 40th Street to 27th Street.

From 27th Street up to 23rd Street, food and merchandise were being sold and cultural programming taking place.

The world’s largest India Day Parade – outside India – kicked off with the NYPD Police Band and the India Temple organization band singing both countries’ national anthems.

Thousands of spectators were expected to attend the parade this year that celebrates India’s 69th year of independence.

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal was this year’s parade grand marshal.

The parade has been organized since 1981 by the Federation of Indian Associations, which represents over 500,000 members.