Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Mike Macklin
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston celebrated the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day with a day of festivities during India International Day Parade at Boston Harbor on Saturday. The anniversary has been celebrated in the city of Boston for the last 60 years, but Federation of Indian Associations (FIA New England) said this was the first time the organization has hosted a parade, complete with more than a dozen floats.
"It's the whole community coming together to celebrate [as] the Governor of Massachusetts has proclaimed August 15th as India Day, so that is a moment of pride and we are absolutely thrilled," event spokesperson Vaibhav Arora, told WBZ's Mike Macklin.
The parade began at Lewis Wharf at 10 A.M. and concluded at Christopher Columbus Park around 3 P.M.
Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Mike Macklin
While the parade began at 641 Lewis Wharf and ended at Christopher Columbus Park and was hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA New England). There were cultural performances and Indian heritage experiences for the public to enjoy, as well as traditional dance and art demonstrations.
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Meantime at the Memorial Hatch Shell, another event took place celebrating the 75th Anniversary, hosted by The India Association Of Greater Boston (IAGB). With the theme “Bharat Parikrama – Path around India”, the day was split into two segments, the Heritage Mela and the Cultural Mela. The word "mela" means an Indian religious festival or fair.
Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Mike Macklin
The Heritage Mela began at 12:30 P.M. where festival-goers were able to join dance workshops to learn both classical and non-classical Indian dance forms. There were also music workshops offered for the public to learn and practice Indian classical/Western fusion songs. Kids were able to enjoy the family-friendly booths with henna tattoos and art.
In the Cultural Mela, there were cultural programs and Bollywood dance performances put on by dance groups in the Greater Boston area. The dances featured music from various regions of India, along with classical and Bollywood dance performances.
Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Mike Macklin
A large variety of Indian food was available at the event from the Treasury Kitchen, in addition to informational booths presenting Indian heritage activities, according to FIA New England.
Both events were free to the public and anyone who wanted to learn more about India Day and Indian culture.
WBZ's Mike Macklin reports:
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