CHICAGO, August 23, 2026: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago), founded in 1980, brought its year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary to a spectacular conclusion with a vibrant and deeply patriotic parade on Devon Street, Chicago’s iconic “Little India.” The grand event celebrated the shared values, sacrifices and democratic traditions of America and India while highlighting the growing friendship among the United States, India and Israel.
The parade followed a series of patriotic events organized by FIA-Chicago, including the Memorial Day Parade, Fourth of July celebrations, America’s 250th anniversary observances, a downtown flag-hoisting ceremony, the Tiranga Car Rally and a Patriotic Gala. The final parade transformed Devon Street into a sea of American, Indian and saffron flags, patriotic banners and portraits of India’s legendary freedom fighters and national icons.
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of participants and spectators raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “God Bless America.” Floats, community organizations, businesses, political representatives, veterans and cultural groups marched proudly along the route. Despite the Indian-American population’s significant movement toward Chicago’s western suburbs, the impressive turnout demonstrated the enduring importance of Devon Street as the heart of Chicago’s Indian-American community.
One of the most significant changes this year was FIA-Chicago’s decision to move away from the traditional practice of featuring Bollywood celebrities and instead honor retired military veterans, distinguished public figures and spiritual leaders. FIA President Hemant Patel has consistently emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals whose lives represent service, sacrifice and patriotism.
“Why waste time and money attracting that segment of crowds that come only to see actors and actresses rather than for national spirit?” Patel said. He argued that military veterans and other distinguished personalities inspire people through their achievements and service rather than entertainment.
The parade began with the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by Vande Mataram. Grand Marshal Major General N.K. Dhir, Consul General of Israel Elad Strohmayer, Mrs. Lima Mathew, Consul and Head of Chancery and Community Affairs at the Consulate General of India, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur, 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Saxena, Captain Preeti Gupta, Flight Lieutenant Sanjay Sharma, Subedar Major Shyamchand, FIA Executive and veteran Arvind Ankleshwaria, Illinois State Representative Ram Villivalam, FIA Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai, Parade Chair Smita Shah, Banquet Chair Dr. Santosh Kumar and Car Rally Chair Sanjay Vora were among the distinguished guests invited to participate in the flag-unfurling ceremony.
A particularly moving moment involved 90-year-old Mohan Patel, affectionately known as “Mohan Kaka,” who for nearly three decades has personally brought the flagpole to the parade in a bus and helped prepare it for the ceremony. His extraordinary dedication drew public appreciation from President Hemant Patel, who thanked him for his remarkable commitment to patriotism and community service.
The traditional Dhol Tasha ensemble from Maharashtra Mandal added tremendous energy to the celebration, while biker Rootvij Bhatt and members of the Chicago Bikers Club brought another colorful dimension to the parade. Despite having their own picnic plans, the bikers chose to participate in the patriotic celebration.
A major highlight was the emphasis on the growing friendship between America, India and Israel. Consul General of Israel Elad Strohmayer and FIA President Hemant Patel spoke about the strong relationship among the three nations. The crowd enthusiastically responded with chants celebrating the friendship. FIA Trustee Rakesh Malhotra noted that the Israeli Consul General’s participation marked a historic first for FIA-Chicago and, he believed, was possibly the first such appearance at an Indian-American parade in the United States.
Grand Marshal Maj. Gen. N.K. Dhir, Trustee-Director Dr. Bharat Barai and Parade Chair Smita Shah also addressed the gathering. President Hemant Patel and Trustee Sanhita served as emcees, introducing and thanking participating organizations, businesses, floats, walking groups, performers, volunteers, executives, trustees and members of the media.
Large portraits of Indian freedom fighters and national icons—including Bharat Mata, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, Swami Vivekananda, Rani Lakshmibai, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagat Singh—became major attractions along the parade route.
In an interview, Patel reiterated his longstanding message: “Freedom was not free. It cost thousands of lives and sacrifices and must be celebrated with gratitude, respect, and full dignity.” He urged Americans and Indians to remain vigilant against forces that could undermine democracy by exploiting democratic freedoms.
Patel also highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to the United States, pointing to their presence in science, engineering, medicine, entrepreneurship and business. He emphasized that Indian Americans have become an important part of America’s economic and professional fabric while maintaining strong cultural and patriotic ties to India.
The parade received strong participation from a wide range of community and religious organizations, including HSS, VHP-A, BAPS, Maharashtra Mandal, Harisumiran Mandir, Haridham Mandir, KaliBari, Manav Sewa Mandir, Jain Mandir, Karni Sena, International University of Vedic Wellness, Shree Ram Garba Group, Sardar Patel Foundation, Shree Jalaram Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Shree Ganesh Mandir, Umiya Mataji Mandir, Hindu Women Network, ISKCON, AASOA, Ekal Vidyalaya, Sewa International, Shree Sanatan Sewa Foundation, India Hub, Mokshdham, United Senior Pariwar, ICNT, Global Indian Diaspora, Art of Living and numerous senior centers and elder-care organizations.
The presence of FIA trustees and senior leaders, including Dr. Bharat Barai, Bhailalbhai Patel, Kanti N. Patel, Sohan Joshi, Anil Pillai, Ajay Agnihotri, Sanhita Agnihotri, Harish Kolasani, Rashmi Patel, Nitin Patel, Rakesh Malhotra and Dr. Panna Barai, provided important support to the organizing team.
Months of planning and preparation went into the event. From early morning, executives and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that every float, participant and performance reached the correct location at the right time. Anil Singh, Joy Shah, Rohit Joshi, Bhavesh “Bob” Patel, Amar Upadhyay, Arvind Ankleshwaria and Vira Adimulam led the massive organizational effort, supported by dozens of dedicated volunteers and community teams.
As organizers observed, a parade is like a puzzle in which every piece must fall into place at precisely the right time. The success of the event reflected the extraordinary coordination and commitment of the entire FIA team.
Businesses also played a major role in supporting the celebration, including Patel Brothers, Flextron, Keystone Mortgage, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Millennium Bank, Rapid Rasoi, Gokul POS, Regal Jewelers, CK Motor Cars, Gold Rush, Fasway Printing, Uma Saree, Annapurna Restaurant, RK Carpet, Udipi, IndiaCo, NP Jewelers and numerous other community businesses and sponsors. Media organizations and community publications also helped bring visibility to the event.
The parade concluded on a joyful note with Garba and Bhangra, celebrating India’s rich, diverse and colorful cultural heritage. The grand finale reflected the central message of the celebration: pride in Indian heritage, gratitude for American freedom and a commitment to friendship among America, India and Israel.
For FIA-Chicago, the August 23 parade was more than a cultural procession. It was a powerful demonstration of patriotism, sacrifice, community unity and civic pride—and a fitting conclusion to its year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
