Thousands gathered in Hicksville recently to celebrate India’s Independence Day with the India Day Parade.
More pictures from Hicksville’s India Day Parade
A parade is held in the city each year to mark India’s Independence Day (which is Aug. 15) but this is the third year the parade has been held in Hicksville, much to the delight of Long Islanders such as Namita Vora.
“We’re so proud to be Indian and we’re glad this parade is in Hicksville so we don’t have to go into the city. I was born in India and though we are far from our home country, when the community gets together we feel like we’re still in India,” said Vora.
Parade committee member Anuj Rahal noted that the parade was a great way to bring the community together.
“We wanted to bring this festival and joy here for everyone to celebrate,” said Rahal. “All walks of life are here, everyone’s here to celebrate. It’s for everyone to come out and enjoy and have a good time.”
Following a small ceremony in the parking lot of Patal Brothers grocery store, the parade was led down Broadway by Grand Marshal and Indian actress, Poonam Dhillon. Over a dozen floats and Indian organizations walked in the parade, which ended with music and festivites at the corner of Broadway and E. Barclay St.
