Boston to host India’s 80th Independence Day parade on August 9

The Indian-American community in Boston will celebrate India's 80th Independence anniversary with the 5th International India Day Parade on August 9. The event will feature floats, cultural performances, a flag-hoisting ceremony, Indian cuisine, and programmes celebrating India-US friendship

New York: The Indian-American community in the Boston area is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with pomp and show, featuring a parade and cultural performances highlighting the strong partnership between the two countries.

The Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA)-New England will organise the 5th International India Day Parade on August 9 in Boston, considered one of New England’s largest celebrations of India’s Independence, its cultural heritage, and the enduring friendship between India and the United States.

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This year’s parade, celebrating the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence, will focus on the theme ‘Festival of Freedom & US-India Friendship’, FIA-New England said in a statement on Thursday.

The parade will feature 15 floats and tableaux, a vibrant cultural programme, and participation by various community organisations, veterans, first responders, and thousands of participants representing the rich diversity of the Indian-American community across New England.

The Grand Marshals for the celebration are Colonel Inder Preet Singh, Yudh Seva Medal (Veteran), and US Navy Intelligence Specialist Maggie Lehman, who will be recognised for their dedicated service and commitment to the nation.

The event’s Chief Guest will be the first Consul General of India in Boston, Raghuram Sastry, highlighting a “historic milestone in strengthening India-US relations and supporting the growing Indian-American community in New England.”

FIA-New England Executive Director Deepak Rathore said in the statement that this year’s parade will be the largest and most vibrant edition yet, celebrating the values of freedom, democracy, cultural diversity, and the strong partnership between the United States and India.

The organisers expressed gratitude to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey for issuing a proclamation declaring August 15, 2026, as “India Day” in Massachusetts for the fifth consecutive year.

FIA-New England’s leadership noted that the Governor’s “India Day” proclamation has become a cherished tradition and recognises the immense contributions of the Indian-American community to the state.

The commemoration will begin with a flag-hoisting ceremony and include cultural performances by renowned dance and music groups, exhibits by community and nonprofit organisations, a vendor marketplace, and a ‘Festival of Indian Cuisine’ featuring a wide variety of authentic Indian delicacies.