Indian Americans Celebrate India’s Independence Day
FOG Convenor Romesh Japra (c) with Tusshar Kapoor (l), Tanishaa Mukerji (holding plaque) and Rajesh Verma (holding plaque) along with others at India Day celebrations in Fremont, Calif., Aug. 19. (Ritu Maheshwari)
Indians worldwide celebrated 72 years of Independence with the usual pomp and fervor. Silicon Valley was not to be left behind, with a week-long Festival of Globe celebrations, writes Ritu Maheshwari.
Realizing the American dream, while honoring the strong roots and culture from the country of origin, was the motto of Festival of Globe (FOG) India Day Fair and Parade held Aug. 18-19, in Fremont, Calif. Organized by Federation of Indo Americans (FIA) of Northern California, this celebration of democracy coincides with India Independence Day. This year FOG continued the celebrations and tradition that had been part of Fremont culture for past 26 years.
Thousands joined and enjoyed the trade booths, food, Indian culture and Bollywood music and dance at the mela (fair). There was a free health fair, Food Fest, kid’s corner, and a grand parade with Bollywood celebrities Tusshar Kapoor, Tanishaa Mukerji, Manoj Tiwari and others.
This year, there were multiple categories of dance performances. Over 100 local dance groups competed in Classical, Folk, Bollywood, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and others.
The grand parade had floats representing a wide cross section of community, ranging from Indian regional cultural communities to Bay Area organizations. Parade ran through sections of Fremont areas and was a spectacle to enjoy.
Tusshar Kapoor and Tanishaa Mukerji were the star attraction and “Grand Marshals” in the parade this year to engage and entertain the community. Tusshar has acted in many Bollywood movies, including the GolmaalSeries.
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG (Festival of Globe), said, “Over the past 25 years, FOG has made great strides in including all parts of community and carrying out its mission to help communities better integrate.”
