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FIA lights Empire State Building in tricolor to mark India’s 80th Independence Day
The lighting ceremony commemorated a dual milestone: India’s 80th year of independence and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 16, Aug 2026
- 14:02 EDT
- 36
Empire State Building / Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) illuminated the Empire State Building in saffron, white and green on Aug. 14 as part of its 44th annual India Day celebrations.
Held under the theme “Harmony in Heritage,” the annual lighting ceremony brought together community leaders, elected officials and members of the Indian entertainment industry to celebrate the shared milestones of India and the United States.
The ceremony opened with a cultural dance performance by the Kalashri School of Arts, choreographed by Bina Menon. FIA joint secretary Srujal Parikh hosted the evening.
Also read: Indian-Americans set flagpole record celebrating India@80, America@250
FIA president Sreekant Akkapalli and chairman Ankur Vaidya addressed the gathering. Vaidya reflected on the significance of celebrating the two national milestones together. "It bears double the joy to celebrate 250 years of America along with 80 years of India," said Vaidya.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, who attended at FIA’s invitation, spoke about the contributions of the Indian-American community across the tri-state area and the United States, highlighting its impact on healthcare, business, technology and entertainment.
The event also featured members of the cast of Neela Film Productions’ Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, including Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, Mandar Chandwadkar, Sonalika Joshi, Balvinder Singh and Nitesh Bhaluni. The cast joined FIA leaders and other guests for the ceremony, during which the ceremonial lever was pulled to illuminate the Manhattan landmark in the Indian tricolor.
Following the lighting, guests received keepsakes from Empire State Building representatives, posed for photographs on the Grand Staircase and continued the celebrations at the building’s observation decks.
Joshi closed the evening by congratulating the honorees and thanking FIA for its continued efforts to bring the community together.
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