Page 22 - The Indian EYE 081823

The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 18, 2023 22

INDIA@77

FIA-Chicago hosts India Day Parade with

colorful floats and rich cultural display

OUR BUREAU

Chicago, IL
he Federation of Indian As-
sociations (FIA-Chicago), an
Testeemed organization with a
rich heritage dating back to its estab-
lishment in 1980, proudly hosted an
awe-inspiring India Independence
Day parade on the vibrant streets of
Devon Avenue on August 5th, 2023. ticipate in this year’s Federation of
This grand event marked the joyous Indian Associations (FIA) parade
commemoration of India’s 77th Inde- on Devon Avenue, celebrating the
pendence Day anniversary, drawing a Indian Independence Day. We are
diverse multitude of thousands, each spreading the Holy Names of Krish-
hailing from different corners of the na to the thousands of Indian fami-
Indian subcontinent, who converged lies and local Chicagoans present
along the parade route to bask in the during the parade.” Many people re-
resounding waves of patriotism. sponded with waving the Indian flag,
The event was graced by Kanish- other colorful floats with the colors versary and prides itself on being the waving their hands and with smiles.
ka Soni, an Indian actress and model of India flag - white, orange and first Krishna temple in the Midwest. The float also had a Deity of
from Mumbai. Joining in the celebra- green were the members of The In- The founder of the society, Srila Lord Jagannatha. It’s customary in
tions was esteemed guests, includ- ternational society for Krishna con- Prabhupada believed in seeing ev- Indian temples to bring the Deity
ing Consul General Mr. Somnath sciousness, popularly known as the eryone as the children of God and of Krishna on a cart or palanquin.
Ghose, Chicago Mayor Mr. Brandon Hare Krishnas. The society brings a looking beyond the barriers of color, Gajendra Moksha Das said, “Jagan-
Johnson, Mayor of Lincolnwood Mr. 5000-year-old tradition of worship. nationality and language. There were natha means the Lord of the Uni-
Jesal Patel, and Parade Chair Ms. These followers of Lord Krishna devotees from different nationalities verse. Jagannatha is another name
Smita Shah. These illustrious fig- were often seen chanting and danc- like Venezuela, South Africa, Ameri- for Krishna. Lord Jagannatha is very
ures joined their voices to wish one ing for their mantra - Hare Krishna ca and India who all happily chanted kind. He comes for a tour on the
and all a jubilant Independence Day. Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare the names of God and promoted uni- street to meet His children who can-
President Dr. Rashmi Patel extended Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama versal peace and brotherhood. not come to see Him at the temple.
her warmest welcome and heartfelt Rama Hare Hare during the 70s and As the parade moved on Devon The devotees perform Kirtan for the
gratitude to these distinguished in- 80s. They are still around and their Street from Western to Washtenaw, pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.”
dividuals, underscoring the profound temple is located at 1716 W Lunt many shoppers came and out of the The parade ended on Washten-
importance of their presence. Avenue and has a representation of stores to witness the beautiful floats. aw with a big round of applause by
India is celebrating its 77th In- more than 40 nations. The temple The temple council member, Subala the FIA for all the floats.
dependence Day and among the also recently celebrated its 50th anni- das said, “We are honored to par- -- Asian Media USA

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