Independence Day Parade Held In Downtown San Jose

On August 11, the Association of Indo-Americans and the Bolly 92.3 FM radio station organized a parade in downtown San Jose to mark Indian Independence Day, which falls on August 15. After the parade, there was a flag hoisting ceremony and an outdoor arts, music, food and dance fair at the Discovery Meadow Park.

India’s Consul-General in San Francisco, Dr. K. Srikar Reddy was chief guest for the event. Numerous elected members of local government and other Bay Area diaspora organizations also participated in the event.

An Independence Day Parade

Around 3 pm, preparations were underway for the parade. Sleek convertibles, Teslas with their outstretched falcon wing doors, and even a Tesla Cybertruck lined up off South Almaden Avenue. Diaspora organizations representing the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Odisha and Haryana exhibited floats representing their state’s culture. The AIA and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh also had sizable delegations and a float.

Several elected members of local government and candidates running for elections this year, also participated in the parade – among them Assemblymember Ash Kalra, San Jose City Councilmember Arjun Batra, candidate for State Assembly Tara Sreekrishnan, candidate for Santa Clara County Supervisor Madison Nguyen, and candidate for Santa Clara City Council Harbir Bhatia. Consul General Reddy led the group in a convertible.

“India’s democracy is not only important for India, it is important for the whole world,” said Councilmember Arjiun Batra. “We are a very inclusive society and we need to live happily with everyone and respect each other’s cultures and traditions.”

Commenting on India’s 78th Independence Day, Batra added, “I think the Indian community, regardless where they live, need to be proud of their heritage… and continue to spread the message of peace, harmony, and common living with everybody.”

The parade started around 4pm, led by the Maharashtra Mandal Bay Area (MMBA) Spartans Dhol Tasha Dhwaj Pathak – a troupe of flag bearers followed by a band of drummers playing traditional Maharashtrian dhol and tasha .

As they marched south along Almaden Boulevard, the parade followed them towards the Discovery Meadow Park, where an open-air Independence Day mela was already in full swing.

An Indian Mela in the heart of San Jose

Discovery Meadow park was already abuzz by the time the parade approached. Local vendors sold Indian snacks and drinks out of stalls in one part of the park, while merchants sold Indian textiles, handicrafts, jewelry and other services down the middle.

A singing competition and a childrens’ dance competition took place on separate stages. Hundreds of people filtered in through the gates to enjoy the fair, and around 5:30 p.m., a short flag hoisting ceremony took place.

San Jose City Mayor Matt Mahan hoisted the American flag, followed by Dr. Reddy, who raised the Indian flag as the national anthems of both countries played.

Dr. Reddy thanked the audience for attending the event marking India’s 78th Independence Day event, and the AIA for organizing it.

“I’m happy to see participation from various states of India, representing their culture and also at the same time, showcasing our strength which is unity in diversity,” he said.

He noted that the presence of so many elected government officials is testament to the Indian-American community’s contributions to the local economy and cultural diversity.

“We should also try to give back to India and participate in India’s journey to become a developed country by 2047,” he added, referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India’s future .

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