Popular Indian activist Anna Hazare, along with Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, led the largest India Day parade in Manhattan on August 18, 2013. The parade saw Indian New Yorkers waving Indian flags, while celebrating the Independence Day of India.
The event was the 33rd annual India Day parade, which took down Madison Avenue on Sunday, August 18, 2013. The event featured about 40 colorful floats, convertibles and marching bands, with thousands of people cheering to the beat of ‘dhols’, also known as the Indian drums. The parade also featured a replica of the Red Fort in New Delhi, which measured 80 by 10 feet area in Manhattan near the parade route and showcased the heritage of India.
The route of the parade was colored with orange, white and green colors, which depict the Indian flag. Participants at the parade were seen wearing paper hats which wrote, “I am Anna”. The sign signifies the support for Anna Hazare. The parade saw participation of some elected officials and political candidates, including Reshma Saujani – who is a democratic candidate for public advocate – and Joe Lhota – who is a Republican mayoral candidate before September 10, 2013 primary.
While talking about her candidacy, Saujani said that their voice is getting more politically powerful.
Photo Credits: Rediff
