A Joyous First: Lexington’s Indian Americans Celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day with Unity, Culture, and Community Spirit
On the golden evening of Friday, August 15, Lexington’s Hastings Park transformed into a vibrant tapestry of Indian white, saffron, and green—thanks to the artistic touch of Ruby Boyanapalli. More than 300 residents gathered for the historic occasion of the inaugural Indian Independence Day picnic, hosted by the Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) to commemorate 78 years since India’s liberation from colonial rule.
This landmark celebration was more than a cultural showcase—it was a powerful expression of community, collaboration, and shared values. IAL partnered with 23 local organizations, creating a true grassroots effort that reflected Lexington’s rich diversity. Booths featuring Indian vendors, henna artists, and games like cricket, chess, cornhole, and Connect Four (courtesy of the town) offered fun for all ages. Guests enjoyed flavorful and mouthwatering Indian cuisine provided by Nirvana, adding a delicious dimension to the festivities.
The evening’s entertainment, emceed by community leader Sonali Doshi, opened with a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram by Bijay Basu of the Indian Seniors of Lexington. The national song of India—a symbol of resistance since 1882—was performed with heartfelt reverence, setting a reflective tone for the rest of the evening. It was then followed by a diverse and meaningful lineup.
Energy soared with a dynamic dhol—the thunderous Punjabi drum beat—performance by two young Sikh musicians from the Sikh Association of Neighboring Towns (SANT), drawing cheers and infectious rhythmic clapping from the crowd. Another standout moment followed with What’s Love, an original song-and-dance piece choreographed and performed by Jayshree Bala Rajamani and Mary Ross, blending classical Indian tradition with modern flair and contemporary expression.
The celebration reached a joyful crescendo when Swasti Bhargava led a spontaneous flash mob dance, inviting attendees of all ages to join in. The dance floor became a sea of movement and laughter, embodying the unifying power of music.
The evening also offered moments of reflection. As part of Lexington’s Lex250 commemorations, Sean Osborne, historian and co-founder of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL), drew compelling parallels between India’s and America’s fights for independence. “The Revolutionary War was a world war,” he noted, highlighting global alliances that weakened British colonial power—including in India. He shared a fascinating historical nugget: “The last battle of the Revolutionary War [wasn’t] Yorktown, [but] the Battle of Cuddalore in the Bay of Bengal in 1783.”
The emotional centerpiece and the heart of the evening was the joint flag-raising ceremony. Lexington Select Board members Vineeta Kumar, Mark Sandeen, and Joe Pato presided as both national anthems were sung with pride. Shubrah Chandra led the American anthem, followed by Neha Rathi’s powerful rendition of India’s anthem. Hundreds of voices joined in, creating a moving chorus of unity and shared identity while capturing the true spirit of the occasion and what it intended.
Local leaders offered inspiring remarks. Joe Pato celebrated the democratic values shared by India and the U.S., encouraging civic engagement. Vineeta Kumar, Lexington’s first woman of color to chair the Select Board, urged the community to embrace its legacy: “We are heirs to a remarkable legacy and stewards of an even greater responsibility. Let’s continue to be a peaceful, positive force and lift others as we rise.”
As twilight settled over Hastings Park, attendees departed with full hearts and a shared hope: that this celebration becomes an annual tradition. The event honored not only India’s independence, but also the vibrant contributions of Indian Americans to Lexington’s civic, cultural, and spiritual life. Many praised IAL’s leadership of organizing an event of this magnitude and the collaborative spirit that brought together food, fashion, music, dance, and history—culminating in a moment of profound pride as the Indian flag rose beside the stars and stripes.
Until next year…
