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Arts & Entertainment

India Day Parade Marches Through New City to Celebrate Independence

The India Cultural Society of Rockland organized the event and hundreds joined despite consistent rain.

The India Cultural Society of Rockland (ICSR) held its annual India Day Parade Sunday, celebrating the 64th anniversary of India’s independence. Despite persistent rainfall, the participants marched down Main Street in New City, waving flags and singing songs commemorating the day.     

“We are celebrating the Indian Independence Day,” said Uma Shah, the chairperson of the Parade Committee.  “Just like July 4th is for America, August 15th is for India. They got their independence from the colonial British rule.  And it came after a very long, hard battle.  We don’t want to forget.”

The parade started in the parking lot of the New City Library, where hundreds of people gathered and prepared signs, balloons and floats.  Led by the Rockland County Firefighters Pipes and Drums band, the group made its way down Main Street, which was closed down by Clarkstown police for the event. The parade drew local spectators, some of whom took pictures. 

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“It’s a celebration of the Indian heritage,” said on-looker Vinoo Sharma. “A lot of Indian immigrants (are) in the area. They all contribute to the local events and economy.”

The parade marched to the steps of the County Courthouse where Vaibhavi Pradhan, the wife of the late Rockland County Legislator Vijay Pradhan, raised the Indian flag. Both the American and the Indian national anthems were sung as the marchers gathered in front of the courthouse. After that was a festival, which Sharma said he was going to attend following the parade. 

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“It’s an opportunity to meet all of the community, both Indian and American, so that’s what I like about it,” Sharma said. “And of course the food and games for kids.”

The festival started with speeches from Shah and ICSR’s president, Bindu Mehta. Elected officials were then introduced on stage, where they greeted the crowd and were treated to songs. Younger event participants sang and danced on stage for the crowd as well. After that, freedom fighters were recognized. 

“We had a group of freedom fighters who had dressed up in the costume representing them,” Shah said. “That was a new addition.” 

According to Shah, the Rockland County Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band was new to the event as well. 

After the celebrations on stage, participants were able to visit different tents, where food, clothing and jewelry were sold. Henna artistry and eyebrow threading were also available. 

“It’s a great event,” said Clarkstown Town Clerk Justin Sweet. “There’s a lot of different vendors, a lot of different displays. I saw they have an Indian history display over there; I’m certainly going to check that out. Try to educate myself a little more about the history.” 

Senator David Carlucci said although the weather was unfortunate, it didn’t stop people from coming out. 

“We’re extremely fortunate in Rockland County to have the dedicated members of the India Cultural Society of Rockland County," said Carlucci. "I mean today, with this weather, it shows the dedication and commitment to share and spread the rich traditions of India with the entire community of Rockland County.”

Shah appreciated the turnout in the face of the inclement weather. 

“I think it went very well all things considered,” she said.  “I’m very happy this many people even came out in this rain.” 

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