Events Recap

On Saturday, August 15th 2026, we gathered at NARA Park Amphitheater for IAGB India Day 2026 – Colors of India, a vibrant celebration of our heritage, unity, and shared pride. This year’s festivities brought together thousands of community members across New England in a joyful expression of culture, creativity, and togetherness. Together we celebrated the:

Recognition of INDIA DAY by Governor Maura T. Healey and Massachusetts State Senate

This year’s celebration also received formal recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Governor Maura T. Healey issued a proclamation designating August 15, 2026, as India Day, honoring India’s independence and the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Additionally, the Massachusetts State Senate, through Senator Jamie Eldridge, issued a citation recognizing IAGB and the Indian-American community for their contributions to the Greater Boston region.

Thank you, Governor Maura T. Healey and Massachusetts State Senate.

Chief guest and Guest of Honor of IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

IAGB welcomed event Chief Guest Raghuram S., Consul General of India in Boston, and Guest of Honor Anu Chitrapu, Senior Vice President & Technology Executive at Bank of America, both of whom addressed attendees during the formal segment. Their participation underscored the cultural significance of India Day and the enduring civic ties between India and the United States.

Thank you, Raghuram S and Anu Chitrapu.

Judges for Senior Scholarship Award of IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

During the formal segment, IAGB presented its 2026 Senior Scholarship Awards supported by the Kapasi Family Foundation. Two graduating high school seniors to Aaria Madan Nagpal and Aarush Gondalia were recognized with $500 scholarships for essays on the theme “Colors of India – Stories That Inspire.” The competitive awards were judged by Vaishali Gade, a long Commissioner with the Massachusetts’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission (AAPIC) and past-president of IAGB and NEMM and Neeharika Munjal, a dynamic Boston-based healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and community youth leader.

Thank you, Vaishali Gade and Neeharika Munjal.

CULTURAL PERFORMERS, DANCE/ MUSIC SCHOOLS and CHOREOGRAPHERS of IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

IAGB INDIA DAY cultural showcase was a breathtaking celebration of India’s musical and cultural diversity, unity, and artistic spirit. Centered around the theme of Colors of India, our performers brought the stage to life with dazzling expressions of classical, folk, fusion, and contemporary dance and songs. From the youngest participants to seasoned artists, every performance reflected passion, precision, and pride in our heritage. The day concluded with a flash mob followed by dynamic DJ finale.

More than 200+ performers took the stage, presenting a vibrant array of dance, music, and cultural arts. IAGB thanks to:

• Students from India Society of Worchester – National Anthem
• Prof. M Rama Rao and group – Vocal Performance
• Rajesh Pai and group – Classical Musical Performance
• Ekta Jain – Ekta Dance Academy
• Sailaja Tummala – Sri Kuchipudi Natyalaya – Maha Lakshmi Astakam group
• Shikha Vashishtha – Thirakti Ladies
• Payel Ghatak – Art of Dancing
• Krish Khatri & Krutika Narkar – Unnati Dance Academy
• Moumita Banerjee & Viral Dave – GuruKool Enrichment Center
• Moumita Banerjee – Tarana School of Kathak
• Urmi Samadar – Aakriti Kathak Ensemble
• DFD Academy – Junior, Senior and Travel Team
• Swasti Bhargava – Swasti School of Dance
• DJ – Xtreme group

Thank you to all participants, their schools, parents, dance/ music teachers and choreographers, who showed their creativity and commitment to inspire and uplift our community.

WOMENS & MENS CRICKET TOURNAMENT TEAMS of IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

IAGB hosted its first-ever Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament at NARA Park and Macpherson Field on August 15th morning. Teams competed for championship honors, with awards for Champion, Runner-Up, Best Batter, and Best Bowler. Enthusiasm from both women’s and men’s teams was immense with real fighting attitude to win the tournament. All participants received commemorative T-shirts, and winning women’s and men’s team received trophy during the main event. Tournament was widely praised as an exciting new addition to India Day programming. The following teams have participated in the tournament:

Women’s Teams:

• GBOS KISKADEED
• UCL
• WARRIOR 1
• WARRIOR 2

Men’s Teams:

• ABCC
• BOSTON CHALLENGERS
• BOSTON GIANTS
• DESI BOYS
• LAGAAN
• PATTA PATTI XI

At the end, WARRIOR 1 team won the women’s cricket tournament and UCL was the runner-up team. DESI BOYS won the men’s cricket tournament with BOSTON GIANTS being the runner-up team. Thank you to every captain, players, coaches and volunteers to make first- Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament a huge success.

VOLUNTEERS: YOUTH & ADULTS at IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the incredible volunteers who powered this year’s celebration. Your enthusiasm, reliability, and willingness to step in wherever needed made every part of the event shine. From managing crowds to supporting competitions, cultural programs, vendors, and logistics — your dedication was the backbone of this day.

You brought energy, compassion, and teamwork to every task, and your contributions created a welcoming, seamless, and joyful experience for thousands of attendees. We are truly thankful for the time, effort, and spirit you invested in making this event extraordinary.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

• Akshay Thotangare
• Ashish Panke
• Deepa Agrawal
• Neeles Chitari
• Sachin Yeola
• Shilpa Ejenkar
• Shubhad Kulkarni
• Suhas Bhanusali
• Suhas Kasar
• Vijay Patil

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

• Aaria Madan Nagpal
• Arjun Kaushik
• Ashneel Ejenkar
• Manvik Mukesh
• Milonee Mukesh
• Prakhar Patel
• Prayam Bhattacharya
• Shrey Dalia

Thank you, volunteers — your commitment lifts our community higher every year.

SPONSORS for IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

We are deeply grateful to our corporate sponsors whose generous support helped bring this year’s Republic Day celebration to life. Your partnership empowered us to deliver a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable experience for our entire community. From cultural showcases to competitions and performances, your contribution made every moment possible.

GRAND EVENT SPONSOR

• Apna Bazar and Farmers Food Market, Woburn, MA

EVENT FOOD PARTNER

• Craft Indian Kitchen, Acton, MA

PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER

• Sanjay Kudrimoti and Vasudha Kudrimoti: Fotu Duniya – The Picture World
• Jeevan Sarode

CORPORATE SPONSORS

• Gautam Shah & Bijal Doshi – Evergreen: Adult Foster Care and Adult Day Health Center
• Pranav Gill – Atamian Honda
• Saurin Makim – Bay State
• Raj Kishan Saini, CPA, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant
• Hira Asnani – Expedia Cruise
• Shova Sharma – New York Life
• Sujata & Devendra Patil – The Treasury: Indian & Greek Kitchen

Thank you for standing with IAGB and helping us celebrate unity, heritage, and community spirit at its finest.

VENDORS for IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

This year’s event was enriched by a vibrant marketplace of exceptional vendors, each bringing unique products, services, and experiences to our community. From wellness and financial services to cultural crafts, clothing, jewelry, snacks, sweet treats, nonprofit initiatives, and more — your presence added color, energy, and connection to the celebration.

Your professionalism, creativity, and commitment were evident throughout the day. The care you put into presenting your offerings made a meaningful impact on attendees and contributed greatly to the overall success of the event. We truly appreciate your partnership and the value you bring to the IAGB community.
Thank you for being an integral part of this year’s celebration. We look forward to welcoming you again to future IAGB events.

• AIM for Seva USA
• Association for India’s Development, Boston Chapter (AID Boston)
• Bombay POP
• Boston Solutions Group LLC
• Chinmaya Mission Boston
• Consulate General of India, Boston
• Desi Diva Fashion
• H’art Nook
• Hustham
• IIT AGNE team
• Indian Medical Association of New England (IMANE)
• Indian Circle for Caring USA INC
• Indian Community Church
• InsureWise Financial Services
• Jaane Pehchaane Anjane
• Jay-Ho
• Joy of Treats
• Mayin Arts
• Meena Art and Craft
• Shishu Bharati
• Russian School of Mathematics – RSM Acton
• Saheli
• SKVL Organic World Inc
• ThinkForFun
• Trupti N Patel & Associates
• Vaisakhi Weaves
• Warrior Womern’s

Thank you for your support for INDIA DAY- Colors of India event and helping IAGB community to celebrate unity, heritage, and freedom.

MEDIA PARTNERS for IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our media partners for their invaluable support in amplifying this year’s Republic Day celebration. Your coverage, storytelling, and community engagement helped us reach audiences across New England and beyond. Your partnership strengthened our event and ensured our message of unity and celebration resonated far and wide.

• India New England News
• Lokvani
• Gunjan Radio
• New India Abroad
• South Asian Herald
• Jay-Ho!
• Ascend Jiva

Thank you for standing with IAGB and helping us share this special day with the broader community.

ORGANIZATIONS AND MEDIA PARTNERS SUPPORT: IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

Our celebration was elevated by the presence of more than 40 partner organizations, supporters, and media partners from across New England. Their participation showcased the unity, diversity, and strength of our Indian-American community. Each organization brought its own energy, purpose, and commitment, making the day richer and more meaningful for everyone. We are deeply grateful for their continued collaboration and the trust they place in IAGB’s mission. Their engagement reflects the shared vision we all hold for a more connected, vibrant, and empowered community. We look forward to building on this partnership and creating even more impactful moments together.

• Academy Creative Arts
• Ascend Jiva
• Asha for Education
• Asija Properties
• Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America
• Cancer Mukti Foundation
• Chinmaya Mission Boston
• Ekal Vidyalaya Boston
• Foundation of Indian Americans – New England
• Gunjan Radio
• Gurjar
• Hindi Manch
• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA Inc.
• IIT AGNE
• India Association of New Hampshire or IANH
• India New England News
• India Society of Worcester
• Indian Americans for Burlington
• Indian Circle for Caring
• Indian Medical Association of New England
• Ivy Child International
• Jay-Ho!
• Kerala Association of New England
• LearnQuest Music Academy
• LokVani
• Maher Foundation
• Mandaara New England Kannada Koota
• Milan
• New England Marathi Mandal
• Odisha Society of New England (OSNE)
• Saheli Boston
• Sewa International
• Shishu Bharati School
• Sonali Music Room
• Stage Ensemble Theatre Unit Inc.
• Tamil Makkal Mandram (TMM)
• Team-Aid
• Telugu Association of Greater Boston
• The Asian Community Fund
• VHPA
• Vibha Boston
• Vidya Bharati USA
• Vision-Aid
• Volunteering for Seniors, Inc.

Thank you for all your support and partnership.

ORGANIZING TEAMS at IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

A heartfelt thank you to every member of our organizing teams for the dedication, focus, and spirit you brought to this year’s celebration. From the earliest planning sessions to the final wrap-up, your coordination, creativity, and steady commitment shaped every part of this event.

Your ability to collaborate, solve challenges, and support one another made the entire experience seamless for our community. The success of this day reflects the passion and professionalism each of you brought to your role.

Thank you for showing up with purpose, for giving your time so generously, and for helping us deliver an event we can all be proud of.

• Cultural Performances – Arpita Das Pathak, Shital Bhammer, Jharna madan, Nilesh Agrawal
• Team’s Dress Planning – Ashalata Thotangare
• Team Badges – Lima Das, Jharna Madan, Nilesh Agrawal
• Cultural Performances participants validation – Manishabrata Bhowmick, Deepak Garg
• India Day Magazine – Pranay Khare, Prashant Kulkarni, Nilesh Agrawal
• Food Vendor Management – Deepak Garg and Nilesh Agrawal
• Venue Management – Prashant Kulkarni, Deepak Garg, Nilesh Agrawal
• Sound Team – Vijay Ejenkar, Pranay Khare
• Vendor Management – Deepak Garg and Nilesh Agrawal
• Cricket Tournament – Nilesh Agrawal, Prashant Kulkarni, Suhas Bhanusali
• Decoration Team – Deepa Agrawal, Jharna Madan, Manishabrata Bhowmick
  Raffles, Trophy, Plaques Team – Nilesh Agrawal, Jharna Madan
• Interactive Games – Jharna Madan, Shital Bhammer
• DJ Performance – Nilesh Agrawal, Jharna Madan
• Volunteer Management – Arpita Das Pathak, Ashalata Thotangare
• Sponsorship Team – Nilesh Agrawal, Deepak Garg
• Media & Communications – Nilesh Agrawal, Deepak Garg, Prashat Kulkarni
• Safety & Operations – Prashant Kulkarni, Vijayendra Bhargava
• Flag Raising Coordination & Execution – Asha Thotangare, Nilesh Agrawal, Prashat Kulkarni, Pranay Khare, Lima Das, Vijay Ejenkar
• Ushering & Hospitality – Nilesh Agrawal, Deepak Garg

ATTENDEES at IAGB INDIA DAY – COLORS OF INDIA

You all made the INDIA DAY 2026 a HISTORIC EVENT with more than 4000 attendees. This year’s IAGB India Day – Color of India brought together 200+ cultural performers and thousands of attendees whose energy, enthusiasm, and support transformed the event into a truly memorable experience. The festival featured a wide range of attractions, including a powerful 35,000-watt sound system that elevated every performance, Kahoot trivia, interactive games, and raffle drawings that kept audiences engaged throughout the afternoon.

Your presence filled the venue with warmth and excitement — cheering for performers, encouraging participants, exploring the vibrant vendor stalls, and celebrating the spirit of India with pride. Every moment felt alive because of you.

Thank you for embracing the event with such positivity and for standing with IAGB’s mission of unity, inclusion, and community engagement. Your participation strengthens our resolve to keep creating meaningful spaces where everyone feels welcome and represented.

Together, we continue to build a community rooted in respect, connection, and shared purpose. Together, we celebrate our heritage with pride. And together, we will keep moving forward, shaping events that bring joy and belonging to all.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of this celebration.

With gratitude,

Team IAGB INDIA DAY – Colors of India