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IAGB Republic Day Mela held in Massachusetts
The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘India in Harmony: The Five Elements’, which shaped the programming across the venue.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 26, Jan 2026
- 23:55 EST
- 15
The event’s chief guest was Dr. Purnanand Sarma, CEO of Aro Biotherapeutics and president of TiE Boston. Girish Mehta, founder and executive director of ICC, received the Community Catalyst Award. / Fotu Dunia
India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) hosted the Republic Day Mela 2026 on Jan. 24 at Burlington High School in Massachusetts, drawing thousands of attendees from across New England for a full day of cultural programs and community activities organized by the India Association of Greater Boston.
The event marked India’s Republic Day and featured performances, competitions, exhibits and food offerings. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘India in Harmony: The Five Elements’, which shaped the programming across the venue.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognized the occasion with an official proclamation. Gov. Maura Healey declared Jan. 26, 2026, as Republic Day of India. The proclamation acknowledged the significance of the day for the Indian American community in the state.
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The event’s chief guest was Dr. Purnanand Sarma, CEO of Aro Biotherapeutics and president of TiE Boston. Girish Mehta, founder and executive director of ICC, received the Community Catalyst Award.
Guests of honor included Shruthi Purushotam, deputy consul general of India in Boston, and Dr. Manju Sheth, president of India New England Multimedia and Women Who Win. Speakers referred to IAGB’s role in community engagement and cultural activities in the Greater Boston area.
More than 300 performers took part in classical, folk, Bollywood, fusion and theme-based performances. Over 150 participants competed in events including art, chess, music, math and business-themed contests. More than 35 partner organizations and media groups from across New England were represented.
The mela also included a marketplace with local vendors and community booths, along with a food court featuring offerings from The Treasury: Indian & Greek Kitchen. The program concluded with a performance by the Dhwani Band.
IAGB President Nilesh Agrawal said the event reflected strong community participation and credited volunteers, performers, organizers and partners for its execution. Vice President Deepak Garg oversaw several program areas, including competitions and youth segments.
IAGB said it will continue hosting cultural and community programs throughout the year.
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