FOG India Day Parade draws tens of thousands of spectators
Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
34th FOG India Day Parade celebrated the 80th Indian Independence day and 250th birth year of USA. The atmosphere and ambience were filled with patriotic, nationalistic and cultural vibes. Held on Sunday August 16, 2026, the Parade was a mammoth ocean of Parade participants and spectators’ line up along Capitol Avenue and Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. All eight lanes of main through fare were closed to give the Parade space and attention it deserves. Over 50 community organizations, dozens of elected officials with representation from congressmen, assembly members, mayors and other elected officials participated in 35 beautiful open top cars showcasing Indian community’s influence and voice.
This year FOG India Day Parade surpassed its previous heights and showcased amazingly high-quality floats reflecting unique flavors, traditions and colors of India. With over 90 parade entries with community groups outdoing each other in building floats and Parade entries that conveyed the colorful, culture rich messages and showcased unique glimpses of their group and states, to thousands watching the Parade.
Several global community groups participated to show case Chinese, Buddhist, Nepalese, Burmese, Iranian and Jewish heritage and culture in solidarity with vibrant Indian community. A large group of 50 plus motorcyclists, adorned with US and Indian flags participated in the parade to add to its glamour. Bay Area Jewish community again built a float along with Kashmiri and Iranian diaspora to give message against terrorism and show case shared values.
Bollywood star Sanya Malhotra was this year’s Grand Marshal. She was accompanied by the famous Abhimanyu Dassani as Co-Grand Marshal. She participated in the Parade by leading the Parade in the horse drawn buggy and spent a lot of time encouraging the floats as they passed by. She also made it a point to cheer several floats from viewing stand.
FOG Chair Parade KP Maheshwari said “this year’s FOG India Day Parade surpassed the expectations with over 50 community groups spending months to design, build and showcase the most colorful, culture rich and value filled messages in their floats and walking groups. This shows the unity in diversity that community brings. Participation of global groups exemplifies FOG’s theme of Vasudhaiva Kutambakam or World is one family.”
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG (Festival of Globe), said, “Over the past 34 years, FOG has made great strides in including all parts of community and carrying out its mission to help communities better integrate. The Parade unites the community to make their voice heard and become strong influence in policy making at all levels in USA”
Noteworthy walking groups and floats participating this year were:
Chenda: It is a majestic instrument widely used in Kerala. There is an ancient saying that Chenda tops all the 18 vadyas. It is an important percussion instrument used in ‘Kathakali’, ‘Koodiyattam’ . National integrity- unity in diversity.
Americans4Hindus: It is the only Super Political Action committee that is aligned with supporting Hindu and Pro-Hindu candidates from federal, state, county to local government. Formed by Dr. Romesh Japra to unite the community and give it a say in policy making circles, it aims to represent all Hindu and Pro-Hindu voices to protect Sanatani values. It has over 18 chapters nationwide and has coalitions with Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Jewish, Black and Hispanic communities. It was also the force behind formation of first ever Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain caucus at the congress. This year A4H built a beautiful float representing shared values of democracy between both USA and India.
Falun Gong (Falun Dafa): It is a traditional Chinese meditation practice for mind and body based on Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. It is a Buddha school meditation. Falun Dafa is taught free of charge and is open to all. We have free meditation class in Fremont. If you wish to learn please contact 510-453-0311. Also, you can follow our local Facebook for more information: Falun Dafa Meditation – SF Bay Area
There are 5 sets of slow-moving exercises including a sitting meditation. Practitioners live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
Dragon Dance: This group represents beautiful Dragon dance that is world famous and is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese culture.
FOG Idol: FOG Idol is a unique FOG initiative to connect our community through music. FOG Idol gives a platform to hundreds of music lovers from ages 5 and up, to participate in the program and connect with other music lovers globally.
Fremont Bagpipes: Fremont Bagpipes is a talented local team playing Bagpipes. They are famous for their performances through the region. They are the Dunvagen Bagpipe and Drums Band. They were established in the 1950s.
Irvington Athletics: Irvington Athletics group of energetic and mesmerizing cheerleaders performance is a sight to behold. Part of FUSD, Irvington Athletics is a strong local team supporting athletics program.
NANC: North American Nepalese Association is a long standing FOG partner and represents the beauty of their culture, clothing, music and dance.
AHS Band: AHS band is our own Fremont based band from American High School. AHS band provides an exciting avenue for students to learn, hone and perform their skills.
Filipino Group: Filipino group represents the strong thriving Filipino community in the Bay Area.
AC Transit: It is our partner in helping people reach Parade and also promote the diversity it brings to Bay Area.
Rudranaad Dhol: Rudranaad Dhol is the latest and most energetic Dhol Tasha group in the Bay Area. Closely aligned with Indian values, Rundranaad represents a beautiful bend of culture, traditions and energy.
Samskrit Bharati USA: Non profit that focuses on spreading and teaching Sanskrit in USA.
HSS Walking group: “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a voluntary, non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma. HSS conducts regular values-based education programs for children, youth and adults through more than 220 branches nationwide. They also organize service activities and community outreach projects.
Through their regular educational programs based on Dharma, we instill and promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selfless service. Through service activities and outreach projects, we foster a sense of civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism. HSS USA endeavors to instill pride in Hindu heritage among its members and to enhance appreciation of Hindus around the world, their traditions, and civilization by the broader community in the United States.”
Silicon Andhra: Silicon Andhra brought in beautiful and impactful Indian traditions to life, winning the best float award in the Parade. Their robotic life size elephant stole all the hearts and attention.
BTS: “Bharati Tamil Sangam created a float to represent : Lord Muruga’s life like replica temple
FOG Maharashtra: A float built by Marathi diaspora to showcase Maharaj Shivaji.
FOG Telugu: FOG Telugu represent the Telugu speaking people of India. This is the new initiative from FOG to unite the community and promote its culture and traditions.
B.A.P.S.: B.A.P.S. is known for the largest and most beautiful temples world over. Their beautiful float represents their structure and values. The theme of this year’s float by B.A.P.S. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is Unity – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”).
True harmony in the world begins with unity at home, within our own families. The B.A.P.S. float beautifully conveys this message of unity, inspired by the words of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who often said: “A family that eats together, prays together, and plays together, stays together.” Over the past six weeks, dedicated B.A.P.S. volunteers have lovingly built and decorated this float with devotion and teamwork. Let us embrace these values, strengthen unity in our families, and together foster peace and harmony in our communities and the world.”
FOG Odisha: FOG Odisha has made this impressive and large float depicting several leaders from the state.
FOG Rajasthan: “Step into a world of vibrant culture, history, and landscapes as we unveil our Rajasthan Float! Inspired by enchanting Rajasthan, our float captures the essence of this state, from lively markets to intricately designed palaces. Amidst festivities, the float honored Gangaur, celebrating love. Adorned with decorations reminiscent of this event, our presentation captures Rajasthan’s heritage. Journey to Rajasthan’s majestic forts. Iconic landmarks like Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal and Jaisalmer’s golden fort stand tall, inviting you to explore their history. It was immersive experience, complete with festivals, music, dance, and more. Embark on this captivating float, where the Thar Desert stretches and Ranthambore’s sanctuary offers glimpses of tigers. Rajasthan float represented a tapestry of traditions, treasures, and forts waiting to be explored.
FOG Gujarat: FOG Gujarat float this year depicted beautiful colors of Gujarat along with the dances, traditions and dresses that enthrall everyone.
O2B2: Overseas Organization for Better Bihar this year again brought a fascinating aspect of Bihar history. It depicted the contributions of Aryabhatt to the fields of mathematics and science.
FOG Kerala: FOG Kerala this year represents beautiful natural richness and culture form Kerala
FOG Bengal: FOG Bengal promoted rich Bengali traditions in art, music, literature, cultures, performing arts, food, and spiritual and religious practices to raise awareness of Bengali cultures and heritage to the rest of India and the world. Bengal float represented vibrant culture and people of Bengal.
Kashmiri Hindu Foundation: This year KHF joined Jewish Coalition to showcase their common
FOG Madhya Pradesh: FOG MP this year brings us the focus on states unique heritage and culture with a focus on Mahakaal shrine.
FOG Punjab: The float represented Punjab, the India state known for its valor, agriculture, enterprising people and warm-hearted hospitality. Punjab is a state at the forefront of contributing to India’s economy, and sports. It is also the place where one of the most revered Sikh temples – Golden Temple located in Amritsar.
NACHA: Nacha brings to us beautiful images form Chhattisgarh culture and traditions
Haryanvi Bay Area: Haryanvi Bay Area Association this year beautifully blended the traditional agriculture, farm life that revolves around agri-equipments such as tractors with the high technology represented by electronic devices.
AC Transit: AC Transit a proud sponsor was represented by the bus.
FUSD: Fremont Unified School District bus proudly represents the top rated school life in Fremont. Represented by Superintendent and Board trustees, FUSD is a strong partner with our community and FOG
PG&E: PG&E is a proud sponsor this year. We are all beneficiaries of their hard work by enjoying electricity that drives the modern life.
Pic credit : Divyang Vaidya
Also Read: FOG India Day Parade and Fair to Celebrate India’s Independence and America’s 250th Birthday
