The highlight of the event was the 5.5-metre-long, 2.7-metre-wide and 2.4-metre-high Ram Mandir float. Several groups had described the float as “Islamophobic” and demanded its removal from the event. The Federation of Indian Associations had described the parade as a “rich picture of India’s cultural diversity”.

The float was the highlight of the event. (Image – “X”)

New Delhi: The annual NYC India Day Parade took place in the Manhattan borough on Sunday. The highlight of the event was the 18-foot-long, 9-foot-wide, and 8-foot-tall Ram Mandir float. Images of the float flooded social media.

“The rich diversity of Indian culture”

This came after several groups labelled the float as “anti-Muslim” and demanded its removal from the event. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) had described the parade as a “rich picture of India’s cultural diversity”.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America also defended it as a representation of a Hindu place of worship built in honor of Lord Ram.

Ram Mandir float – “A beautiful sight”

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) called it a welcome sight in a post on “X” but “another unfortunate reminder of how hard Hindus must fight to be able to practice their faith on their own terms and without the approval of others.”

We are very happy that the Ram Mandir float will be part of the #Indian Independence Day Parade. Sharing a joyful video of our members attending. Jai Shri Ram🙏

A beautiful sight, but another sad reminder of how difficult #Hindus have… https://t.co/bu2a5nyB9K pic.twitter.com/qAF9W65jUQ

— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) 18 August 2024

The parade is one of the largest outside India, attracting tens of thousands of spectators along Madison Avenue in Manhattan. This year’s parade featured over 40 floats, more than 50 marching groups and over 30 brass bands, with Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha as Grand Marshal.

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