Dilip Joshi/ Pooja Hegde / X/ @FIANYNJCTNE

Indian actress Pooja Hegde will serve as the chief guest at the 44th India Day Parade in New York City on Aug. 16.

Hegde will be joined by several cast members of the hit television sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, including Dilip Joshi (Jethalal Gada), Balwinder Singh Suri (Roshan Singh Sodhi), Nitish Bhaluni (Tipendra "Tapu" Gada), Sonalika Joshi (Madhavi Bhide), Amit Bhatt (Champaklal Gada) and Mandar Chandwadkar (Aatmaram Tukaram Bhide), organizers announced through a series of social media posts.

Also Read: Seattle Consulate launches India-themed video competition

Hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, the  parade is one of the largest celebrations of India's Independence outside the country, and will take place along Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street beginning at noon. 

This year's event, themed "Harmony in Heritage," marks the 80th anniversary of India's Independence.

In a video message, Hegde said she was looking forward to celebrating the milestone with the Indian diaspora.

"I am truly honoured and excited to be part of the 44th India Day Parade happening on August 16 in New York City, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations. Looking forward to celebrate the 80th Independence Day. Let's unite to celebrate our motherland with pride," Hegde said.

 

Actress Pooja Hegde joins the 44th Annual India Day Parade in NYC!

Celebrate Indian culture alongside community leaders, spectacular performances, and one of Indian cinema's biggest stars.

Madison Avenue, NYC
Aug 16, 2026

Who's excited to see @hegdepooja ?… pic.twitter.com/w5fpfG6qXQ

— FIA NY-NJ-NE (@FIANYNJCTNE) August 3, 2026

The Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors also released video messages inviting the community to participate in the parade.

Dilip Joshi, who plays Jethalal Gada, described the event as a platform that unites Indians across the world.

GOKULDHAM TO NEW YORK!

Jethalal Gada aka @dilipjoshie is coming to the 44th Annual India Day Parade in NYC!

Madison Ave (E 38th–E 27th St)
Aug 16 | 12 PM onwards

TMKOC fans, this one's for you. Tag someone who has to meet Jethalal! @TVASIAUSA @ITVGold @SonyTV… pic.twitter.com/oVOQlboucG

— FIA NY-NJ-NE (@FIANYNJCTNE) August 3, 2026

"This parade is not just an event, but a powerful platform to connect Indians from all over the world. This is an opportunity where we present our culture, art, music and the power of the community to the world," Joshi said.

Balwinder Singh Suri, best known for portraying Roshan Singh Sodhi, said the parade helps the global Indian community stay connected to its roots.

Balle Balle!

Balvindar Singh Suri, everyone's favorite Sodhi from TMKOC, has a special invitation for the Indian community!

Join us at the 44th India Day Parade in New York and celebrate India's pride together.

NYC
August 16, 2026
Who's coming? #IndiaDayParade… pic.twitter.com/EDL1FoL1gc

— FIA NY-NJ-NE (@FIANYNJCTNE) August 5, 2026

"India Day Parade is not just a festival, it is a powerful stage that connects us, the Indians from all over the world, with our roots. This is an opportunity where we present our culture, music, art, and community strength to the world," Suri said.

Nitish Bhaluni, who plays Tipendra "Tapu" Gada, said the event showcases India's culture and diversity to the world.

TAPU IS IN TOWN!

Tipendra Gada aka Nitish Bhaluni is heading to NYC for the 44th Annual India Day Parade!

Madison Ave (E 38th–E 27th St)
Aug 16 | 12 PM onwards

Tag your childhood squad that never missed Tapu Sena! @TVASIAUSA @ITVGold @SonyTV @ZEE5India @TheSATimes… pic.twitter.com/Yhyghk8BVR

— FIA NY-NJ-NE (@FIANYNJCTNE) August 3, 2026

"The India Day Parade is not just a festival, but it is a powerful platform that connects Indians from all over the world. This is an opportunity where we present our culture, art, music and community power to the world," Bhaluni said.

Sonalika Joshi, who portrays Madhavi Bhide, echoed the sentiment, calling the parade "a powerful platform to connect Indians from all over the world with their roots."

Founded in 1970, FIA is one of the oldest Indian American umbrella organizations in the United States. Its annual India Day Parade has become one of the largest celebrations of India's Independence outside the country, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year.

This year's celebrations also include the illumination of  the Empire State Building in Indian tricolor on Aug. 14, a flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square on Aug. 15, and the annual India Independence Gala following the parade on Aug. 16. 

FIA said the parade will also feature more than 40 cultural floats, marching contingents, live performances, community organizations, food vendors and cultural exhibits.

Discover more at New India Abroad.