On a lovely afternoon on August 19th, people from the New England Indian diaspora gathered at the majestic Hatch Shell next to the Charles River in time to live music from the Northeastern Univ students in preparation for the evening’s concert. This concert and many other performances to come were all part of the India Day celebrations organized by IAGB (India Association of Greater Boston) to mark the 76^th year of Indian independence.

The day began with the recital of the American and Indian National anthems rendered mellifluously by sister duo Trisha and Thara Iyer and Northeaster Student NU_Sanskriti band. In sync with these recitals was the unfurling of the Indian tricolor by IAGB President Vaishali Gade. As the flag fluttered brilliantly in the Boston skies many hearts were filled with pride.

A grand performance of Dhol Tasha followed by the troupe from New England Marathi Mandal. The massive dhols – huge drums suspended from the drummer’s neck - and their sticks resonated across the esplanade, drawing more crowds into the arena.

There were cultural performances from many of the Indian states, resplendent with vibrant colors and the teams ranged from tiny tots to young adults and professional teams like Arya Dance Academy, Ekta Dance Academy, Namami, Purnima Thakrey’, Priya Asthana, Nikita Rao’s group and Neena Gulati’s team.

Youth awards were presented to Kirthivarsha Shivakumar, Medha Bhashyam and Sachit Kurup for their academic excellence and social work in the community.

IAGB proudly recognized the New England Organization, â€˜Women Who Win,’ founded by Dr. Manju Sheth, Dr. Deepa Jhaveri, and Shaleen Sheth with a Trailblazer Award.

IAGB was proud to felicitate ISW for the completion of 60 years of community service.

Indian American Cultural Awareness Builder was presented to recognize Sunanda Sahay, Shuchi Gupta, Deepali Khanzode, Yogesh Karale, Phil Kaplan and Roopesh Mathur (Shishubharti) for their partnership in delivering Discover India Series 2023

The platinum sponsors for the event were Treasury Indian and Greek Kitchen who provided sumptuous food at the event. Other corporate sponsors were also recognized at the event.

The grand finale comprised two live concerts. “Raaga Unleashed” by students of the Berkleee School of Music presented lilting ragas with a 5 piece orchestra and “NU_Sanskriti” a pulsating large youth band from Northeastern University, played a medley of AR Rehman’s songs and tributes to maestros who departed from this world in recent times, SPB, KK and Bappi Lahiri.

Many colorful stalls and vendors provided Indian goods and merchandise for sale at the event and many social and community-based organizations were present as well.

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