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Boston India Day Parade announces chief guest, grand marshals
India's first consul general in Boston and two service leaders will headline the Aug. 9 Independence Day celebration.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 07, Aug 2026
- 04:18 EDT
- 48
Poster of the event. / Handout
Organizers of Boston's fifth International India Day Parade have announced India's first Consul General in Boston, Raghuram S. Sastry, as the chief guest and named Col. Inder Preet 'IP' Singh and U.S. Navy intelligence specialist Maggie Lehman as grand marshals for this year's celebration marking the 79th anniversary of India's Independence.
The Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA)–New England said the parade will take place on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston under the theme 'Festival of Freedom & U.S.-India Friendship.'
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Sastry, who heads India's first consulate in Boston, will attend as chief guest. Organizers said his participation reflects the growing presence of the Indian diplomatic mission in New England and its engagement with the Indian American community.
The parade's grand marshals are Col. Inder Preet 'IP' Singh, a recipient of the Yudh Seva Medal and military veteran, and Maggie Lehman, a U.S. Navy intelligence specialist, who are being recognized for their service.
The event will feature 15 floats, cultural performances and participation by community organizations, veterans, first responders and thousands of members of the Indian American community from across New England.
During a joint planning meeting, FIA-New England Executive Director Deepak Rathore said this year's parade will be the largest edition of the annual event, celebrating freedom, democracy, cultural diversity and the partnership between the United States and India.
Organizers also acknowledged Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey for issuing a proclamation declaring Aug. 15, 2026, as 'India Day' in Massachusetts for the fifth consecutive year. FIA-New England said the proclamation recognizes the contributions of the Indian American community to the commonwealth.
Following the parade, celebrations will continue at Christopher Columbus Park with a ceremonial flag hoisting, cultural performances by dance and music groups, community and nonprofit organization exhibits, a vendor marketplace and an Indian food festival featuring cuisine by The Treasury Restaurant of Burlington, Massachusetts.
Food gift cards and giveaways will be distributed to parade participants, registered children and senior citizens, according to the organizers.
The event is free and open to the public.
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