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IAGB hosts ‘Colors of India’ event in Acton
The event drew 4,000 attendees for cultural performances, cricket, scholarships, community activities,and celebrations honoring India’s 80th Independence Day.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 18, Aug 2026
- 14:17 EDT
- 70
Guest of Honor - Anu Chitrapu / IAGB
The India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day with its annual India Day festival on Aug. 15, drawing more than 4,000 people to NARA Park Amphitheater in Acton.
The event, themed “Colors of India,” featured cultural performances, community activities, sports and recognition of Indian American contributions across the Greater Boston region.
Raghuram S, Consul General of India in Boston, served as chief guest, while Anu Chitrapu, senior vice president and technology executive at Bank of America, was the guest of honor. Both addressed attendees during the formal program.
The celebration also received recognition from Massachusetts officials. Gov. Maura T. Healey issued a proclamation designating Aug. 15, 2026, as India Day. The Massachusetts State Senate, through Sen. Jamie Eldridge, also issued a citation recognizing the India Association of Greater Boston and the Indian American community for their contributions to the Greater Boston area.
Also read: CGI San Francisco celebrates Independence Day at Gadar Memorial
More than 200 performers participated in the festival, presenting dance, music and other cultural performances. More than 40 New England organizations also took part in the event.
The program included interactive games, Kahoot trivia, raffle drawings and a community marketplace. The event concluded with a DJ performance by Xtreme Productions and a flash mob led by Swasti Bhargava.
Earlier in the day, the association held its first Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament at NARA Park and Macpherson Field. Awards were presented for champion, runner-up, best batter and best bowler, with commemorative T-shirts given to participants.
During the formal program, IAGB presented its 2026 Senior Scholarship Awards, supported by the Kapasi Family Foundation. Two graduating high school seniors received $500 scholarships for essays based on the theme “Colors of India — Stories That Inspire.”
Reflecting on the event’s success, IAGB president Nilesh Agrawal said, “India Day 2026 was one of our strongest community turnouts in recent years. Seeing more than 4,000 people come together to celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day was truly inspiring. The energy, the performances, the unity —it all reflects the strength of our community and the dedication of our volunteers and partners.”
Speaking about the venue, Deepak Garg, vice president of IAGB said, “The move to NARA Park proved to be a major success. The improved logistics and parking convenience made a noticeable difference for attendees. We are grateful to all partner organizations and performers who helped make this celebration memorable.”
Asha Thotangare, secretary of IAGB said, “ It was heartwarming to see children, youth, and adults participate together — truly showcasing the ‘Colors of India’” and Vijay Ejenkar, treasurer of IAGB said, “We are proud of the scale and quality of this year’s event. The support from our sponsors, including Apna Bazar Farmers Market and Craft Indian Kitchen, played a key role in this success.” The monthlong India Day celebrations also included flag-raising ceremonies in Westford, Burlington, Acton, Sharon and Andover.
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