NYC Mayor Mamdani Joins Queens India Day Parade

The parade in Floral Park was one of several events across the New York metropolitan area marking the 80th anniversary of India's independence. On the eve of the holiday, the Empire State Building was lit in saffron, white and green, the colors of the Indian flag.

On Saturday, thousands gathered in Times Square for a flag-hoisting ceremony organized by the Federation of Indian Associations in association with the Consulate General of India in New York. The event featured cultural performances and an appearance by an all-women police pipe band from Gujarat, as crowds waved Indian flags.

The commemorations drew official recognition from state and local governments. New York Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed August 15 as 'India Independence Day,' and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued a similar proclamation. Both cited the Indian American community's contributions to their states.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also issued proclamations designating August 15 as 'India Day,' extending the recognition of the Indian diaspora's role across the country.