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FIA unfurls tricolor at Times Square
The gathering brought the Indian-American community together to celebrate independence through flag hoisting, cultural performances and shared festivities.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 19, Aug 2026
- 10:21 EDT
- 30
India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations / Photo: FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) hoisted the Indian tricolor at Times Square on August 15, officially opening the weekend celebrations for the 44th Annual India Day Parade.
The ceremony, held at the corner of Broadway between West 43rd and West 44th streets, drew community members, families and visitors who gathered beneath Times Square’s digital billboards to mark India’s 79th Independence Day.
As the flag was raised, surrounding towers displayed messages including “Indian Independence Day, August 15, 1947” and “Happy India Day 2026.” The Indian tricolor was also projected on jumbotron screens across the square.
Also read: FIA’s Bharat Beyond Borders gala lights up Cipriani Wall Street
Emceed by Neetu Mohan, the ceremony featured flag-hoisting led by the chief guest actors Pooja Hegde and Adivi Sesh, alongside Consul General of India in New York, Hon. Binaya Pradhan, FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya and FIA president Sreekanth Akkapalli. Krisha Bhatt performed the American national anthem, followed by the Indian national anthem performed by Sunitha Upadrasta.
The ceremony continued with cultural performances by Bolly Factor and the Kalashri Dance Academy. Remarks were delivered by FIA chairman Ankur Vaidya, FIA president Sreekanth Akkapalli and Consul General Binaya Pradhan, followed by a message from the chief guest. The event concluded with group photographs featuring dignitaries, board members and the FIA executive team, followed by community celebrations, photos and a formal vote of thanks.
Sponsors supporting the event included the State Bank of India, Zoho and The Diaspora, with signage also recognizing the Consulate General of India in New York.
The Times Square flag hoisting was the second of three major events during FIA’s India Day weekend, following Friday’s ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building. The weekend concluded on Aug. 16 with the 44th Annual India Day Parade on Madison Avenue, beginning at noon, followed by the Independence Grand Gala at Cipriani Wall Street.
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is a nonprofit umbrella organization representing the Indian-American community in the New York tri-state area.
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