Boston celebrates India Independence Day 2007 by India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB)

This year's India Day 2007 in Boston celebrating the anniversary of India's Independence Day attracted a crowd of above 17000 people.

More photos from the event are available at my photo blog titled Boston Dance Arangetram photogrpahy by Ganesh Davuluri

Complete details of the event below:


The India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB) hosted its annual India Day event, a showcase of the unique ethnic and cultural diversity of India, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m . on Sunday, August 12, 2007. This year's celebration held a special significance as it is the 60th anniversary of India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
The celebration of the independence of the world's largest democracy was a grand night of lively Indian entertainment for family and friends. "A record number of 17000 people turned out at the event this year," said M. Rajinikanth, the President of IAGB, "A lot of people came up to me to compliment the performers and the IAGB team saying the event is getting better by the year".

The central attraction was a highly entertaining and enthralling cultural program presented by about 320 exuberant dancers in spectacular ehtnic costumes, 40 vibrant singers and a bevy of gifted musicians from the many highly talented arts groups in the Greater Boston area. Items presented included a grand presentation of colorful and vibrant dance numbers and rich music items featuring Bollywood, Indian classical, traditional and modern folk art forms from India's diverse regions and the high-energy bhangra styles.

"This event exceeded all my expectations and overwhelmed me. Even my 1-year grandson was so excited and was responding to the numbers. The scale and richness of the event exceeds some comparable events that we only get to see on the TV, even back in India!!", exclaimed a visibly happy Mrs. Mishra, a grandparent visiting her son Mr. Mohit Mishra, daughter-in-law and a newborn grandson.

A wide variety of mouthwatering, sumptuous, spicy Indian food from popular restaurants in the area was available for purchase. A large number of Indian American organizations in the Boston area have set up informational booths on the lawns presenting various interests and activities ranging from ethnic crafts like Henna paintings to Yoga information booths to complimentary health check ups by the IMANE, to children's activities by the Museum of Science.

"IAGB succeeds due to the dedication and hard work of its volunteer officers and because of continued enthusiastic support from the community. On occasions such as these, the entire community can get together to celebrate its beautiful heritage," said Vinod Chungi, Vice President, IAGB.

The event brought in the nostalgia among the crowd and thrilled them, as evident from the huge amount of participation from the visiting public and the unending rounds of cheers and applause after each item.

The IAGB has been serving the Indian American community in the Greater Boston area since 1962. Its mission is to preserve and foster Indian culture. More details at India Association of Greater Boston's website (http://www.iagb.org/Site).