Our Bureau
Queens, NY
The Queens India Day Parade brought together thousands of residents, community leaders and cultural organizations in a vibrant celebration of Indian heritage, culture and diversity.
The parade was organized by the Floral Park-Bellerose Indian Merchant Association (FBIMA) Inc. The organization’s leadership includes President Dincil George, Chairman of the Board Thomas Koshy and Parade Chairman Dr. Hari Shukla.
Bollywood actresses Sarnaya Anand and Kashishh Rajput served as the parade’s Grand Marshals.
Marchers gathered at Langdale Street and Hillside Avenue before proceeding along Hillside Avenue from 268th Street to Little Neck Parkway. The procession featured five floats and approximately 15 Indian community organizations from Queens and Long Island. Police on horseback, a police band and a display of exotic cars also took part in the parade.
A stage was set up at the northwest corner of Hillside Avenue and Little Neck Parkway, where elected officials, community leaders and invited guests addressed the crowd. The program also featured 12 dance performances and a series of musical presentations showcasing Indian traditions and contemporary culture.
Among the dignitaries attending the event were Congressman Tom Suozzi, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan and NYC Council Member Linda Lee. Several candidates in upcoming elections also attended.
More than 3,000 marchers and spectators participated in or witnessed the parade in person, while more than 4,000 viewers watched the celebration through a live YouTube broadcast.
The event highlighted the growing presence of the Indian-American community in Queens and Long Island while providing a platform to celebrate Indian culture, music, dance and community unity.