The country’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated on August 15 with wide-ranging celebrations across India, and it reverberated even more among the Indian diaspora abroad. In San Jose, California, the community paraded with riotous festivities celebrating culture, pride and unity.
Colorful Parade in Full Swing in San Jose
Apurva Bendre’s viral video on Instagram gave a sweeping view of the colorful celebration of the parade. The CyberTracker greeted all other festively bedecked vehicles carrying jubilant participants waving the Indian tricolors.
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The marchers clad in traditional attire graciously held allegiance to both flags, Indian and USA; a perfect representation of their birth and adopted land. However, to top it all, a huge banner with the names of Indian states stood proudly, adding yet another dimension of aesthetic diversity to the parade.
Sounds and Sights of Music and Marching
The march was animated by the drummers dressed in white and saffron scarves, a troupe whose beats heralded energy to the crowd.
The video narration on Instagram read: “POV: You’re at the Independence Day Parade. California USA,” making the experience relatable to an audience far and wide.
Bollywood Glitz: Amisha Patel as Grand Marshal
Bollywood diva Amisha Patel graced this occasion as the grand marshal, sharing her excitement on Instagram.
“San Jose, California!! Extremely humbled and privileged to be chosen to represent India as the grand marshal for the Indian Independence Day Parade ‘Swades’ for the Bay Area,” she wrote. Her mere presence was a glamorizing affair and emphasized the global reach of Indian culture.
Social Media: Pride and Homesickness
The Instagram clip saw views accrue to almost 83,000, and a rave of comments followed. Praise of the energy, creativity, and cultural authenticity of the parade filled the commenters’ hearts. In emotive commentaries, one user wrote, “Love how the Indian spirit is alive even across the globe,” another observed, “The Tesla CyberTracker leading the parade was such a unique touch.”
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Many expressed nostalgias, saying the dhol beats and traditional attire reminded them of home. Others celebrated the sense of togetherness among Indians abroad and appreciated such events for keeping the traditions alive across generations.
Celebration of Identity and Heritage
The San Jose parade is an example of how Independence Day has become a global celebration of Indian heritage that cuts across geographical boundaries while instilling pride in cultural identity.
Such events highlight India’s independence and contribute to building relationships in the diaspora, ensuring that the essence of Independence Day resonates far beyond the borders of the country.
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