An estimated 7000+ strong crowd (DCR Hatch Shell estimate) came to the event despite the pandemic times. Huge crowds thronged the food stalls, vendor booths and hundreds of youngsters and adults danced merrily to the lovely throbbing music by the Berklee Indian Ensemble. Seven dazzling cultural performances enthralled the audiences.

It was the celebration of freedom, democracy, unity, diversity and the values of people and their spirit, where our minds and hearts were decorated in tri-colors – joy and pride shared amongst all of us.

It was perfect summer weather, with nice breezes from the Charles River. Also, in honor of Independence Day, the Boston City Hall Plaza was lit with tricolor from August 13 to 15th for 3 nights. Leading to the Hatch Shell celebration, IAGB held formal flag-raising ceremonies in over 50 towns, spreading the independence celebration across local towns and communities we live in.

Live in concert by Berklee Indian Ensemble was a memorable one as the sounds of ‘Vande Mataram vibrating through the Esplanade and the Charles River. Berkley’s music concert captured everyone’s spirit and patriotism – thousands in the crowd swayed and danced to the mesmerizing performance. . Also, IAGB recognized over 30+ organizations for their support and partnership with IAGB and community service & contributions during COVID 19 pandemic in the last 20+ months. This celebration was even more special as it was IAGB’s 35th India Day celebration at the Hatch Shell, which started in 1987 at the same location.

Celebration of this scale wouldn’t be possible without support and participation from all corners. IAGB would like to take this opportunity to thank:

• Our sponsors – Pelmeds, AcceptU, ICC, Cuemath, New York Life Insurance, and over 30 exhibitions and advertisers.
• Berklee Indian Ensemble and its founder Annette Philip for the fantastic live concert – magical voice and sounds with super energy and splendid musicianship.
• Talented choreographers, performers, musicians, and artists for the amazing and captivating cultural and band performances.
• Over 30+ community organizations for their support, partnership, and being part of the celebration.
• Food vendors – Maya Indian Bar & Grill, Home Kitchens and Mela restaurants for serving delicious Indian Cuisine throughout the day.
• Community Youth Excellence 2021 award winners – Arnav Bhakta, Sachi Badola, and Archita Neemlikanti.
• SRAVEO for Photography and Videography and Fotu Duniya for Photography.
• All the volunteers who joined us to pitch in for every effort all day long (Raghavendra Nanjaiah, Samhita Gowda, Angel Patel, Heny Patel, Sanchita Gowda, Esha Shinde, @Aditi Manjrekar, Kishan Angadi, Jayanth Angadi, Srinathan Gade, Anees Buxamusa, Swasti Bhargava, Shourya Gupta, Vasudha Kudrimoti, Dhriti Motwani etc)
• Niren Chaudhary, CEO – Panera Bread for being our chief guest on this occasion.
• DCR Hatch Shell staff and rangers for planning and managing the entire day operations so smoothly and efficiently.
• Boston City Hall for lighting up the CHP with tricolor for three days.
• MA state police for supervising and supporting the event, keeping everyone safe.
• Our media partners – Lokvani, INE, MeraSangeet, and Boston city news outlets.
• TV Asia – Jharna Madan for covering the event.
• 50+ towns (select board, mayor/council board, town administration) for flag-raising ceremonies.
• Community members – DCR Hatch Shell estimated 7000+ community members who came to celebrate India’s pride. IAGB team couldn’t thank you enough for the excitement, energy, and participation.

Thanks to the IAGB team – a dedicated, passionate, and dynamic team that kept the community busy in the last two years with innumerable events and activities and memorable India Day and Republic Day cultural celebrations.

IAGB promises to keep up the momentum built with this huge event and bring you many such programs and events in the days to come.

Thank you again,

IAGB Executive Committee