The upcoming India Day Parade in New York City is facing criticism for featuring a float celebrating a Hindu temple built over a razed mosque in India. The Indian American Muslim Council and other faith-based groups have called on parade organizers to remove the float, saying it glorifies the destruction of mosques and violence against Muslims in India. Hindus make up the majority of India’s population, but the country is also home to a significant Muslim population that has faced attacks by Hindu nationalists. Critics view the float as promoting hate, bigotry, and religious supremacy.
Despite calls to remove the float, parade organizers have rejected the demands, stating that it commemorates the inauguration of a sacred landmark important to millions of Hindus. The Federation of Indian Associations, which is organizing the event, emphasized that the celebration of the landmark does not endorse violence or hate in any form. The parade aims to showcase India’s cultural diversity, with floats representing various faiths, including Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities. The theme for this year’s parade is “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” emphasizing the idea of unity and peaceful coexistence.
The India Day Parade, now in its 42nd year, is one of the largest events of its kind outside of India, drawing tens of thousands of participants and spectators. The parade celebrates the end of British rule and the establishment of an independent India on August 15, 1947. The controversial Ram Mandir, built in Ayodhya on the site of the demolished Babri mosque, has been a point of contention in India’s religious and political landscape. The temple, dedicated to the god Ram, represents a significant cultural and religious symbol for Hindus.
The controversy surrounding the float has prompted responses from political leaders in New York, with Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams being urged to take action. Mayor Adams emphasized that there is no room for hate in New York City, which has a large Indian American population. While the mayor will not attend the parade, he stated that the city cannot deny permits or change parade messages based on content, citing the First Amendment. Adams highlighted the importance of inclusivity and respecting diverse communities in New York City’s celebrations. The mayor’s office reiterated the city’s commitment to embracing its diverse population and fostering a welcoming environment for all residents.
