Welcome My Friend
Billed as the largest India Day Parade in the United States, this years version did not disappoint the thousands of parade viewers lining up Madison Ave. from 38th St. to 23rd St. It certainly is one of the most colorful displays of costume and tradition this side of the Atlantic. Many revelers lined up to see this years Grand Marshalls, Bollywood star Sunny Deol and NBA Sacramento Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive. One of the more festive parts of the parade was when the traditional dance group of Jallosh came dancing down Madison Ave. to the rhythmic drum beat. That was a fun group and got the crowd ready for a fun-filled day of color and pageantry. Spirituality is a vital part of the various parts of Indian culture whether its Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Sikhs. No matter the faith, they were represented in the parade. Many different parts of the entertainment industry made their grand appearance…from Bollywood stars to MTV stars to the most enthusiastic float of all, the one with Bhangra superstar Daler Mehndi. It’s always good to see how the young interprets traditional music into their own style. It happens in every culture throughout the world and was clearly evident when the float of StarPlus made their dance moves to the receptive crowd. Bringing in the new with respect for the old traditions is a beautiful sight to see. On that same note, the Daily News float carried a dozen beautiful young ladies in colorful traditional costumes. For about two hours on a hot sunny day in mid-August, you felt as though you were in the magic and beauty of India…right on Madison Ave. in NY.
NYC Parade Life 
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