On a bright and beautiful Sunday, August 16, Hastings Park came alive with vibrant hues of saffron, white and green as more than 400 residents gathered for a landmark celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day. Organized by the Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL), the event marked the second year of what has quickly become one of the town’s most anticipated multicultural gatherings.
The park transformed into a lively festival ground, thanks in part to the artistic vision of Ruby Boyanapalli, whose decorations set the tone for an afternoon filled with joy, pride and community connection. More than 30 local organizations partnered with IAL, creating a true grassroots celebration that reflected Lexington’s diversity and collaborative spirit.
Fun, Games & Community Activities
Families enjoyed a wide array of activities, from cricket and chess matches, organized by Abirami Thesayi and Anil Ahuja, to tug of war, cornhole, Connect Four, and dedicated games for children and seniors. Volunteers led each activity with infectious enthusiasm, ensuring that every attendee — from toddlers to grandparents — felt included.
Indian vendors and henna artists added cultural flair, while food stalls offered flavorful delights. Nirvana served fresh Indian street food, Fruttiberri provided exotic natural ice creams, and Las Lemonade Stand kept guests refreshed with a variety of chilled lemonades. IAL Sustainability group — led by Kavitha Venkatesan, Suman Murali and a team of dedicated volunteers — worked with food vendors and Town to make the celebration a green, low waste event using compostables.
Music, Poetry, Dance & Fashion
The entertainment program, moderated by Neha Rathi and Tanvi Marri, showcased the richness of Indian culture. Kavitha Venkatesan and the TaalMel Fusion Band delivered a spirited performance bringing together Indian and American music, followed by poetry from Poppy and energetic dhol rhythms by Ekamveer and Kavanveer Singh of the Sikh Association of Neighboring Towns (SANT).
A colorful fashion show — led by Zuby Singh in partnership with Priya Tanjore, and Lexington alumna and entrepreneur Jusrin Padam — took audiences on a journey through India’s fashion heritage, from pre-independence traditions to modern styles. Special guest Dr. Julie Hackett, Lexington’s award-winning educational leader, joined the runway, symbolizing the town’s commitment to inclusion and community partnership.
Celebrating India Through Folk Dance
A highlight of the afternoon was the interactive folk dance segment led by Prerna Performing Arts, a Lexington-based school dedicated to Indian dance and culture. Their lively Garba and folk dance demonstration drew hundreds to the dance floor, turning the park into a joyful sea of movement and laughter.
A Moment of Unity
As twilight approached, the emotional centerpiece of the celebration — the joint flag-raising ceremony — brought the community together in a moment of profound unity.
Select Board members Vineeta Kumar and Joe Pato, along with IAL founding members Geeta Kanan, Sudha Balasuryan and Archana Singhal, presided over the ceremony.
Medha Ramu led the American national anthem, followed by a powerful rendition of India’s anthem by Neha Rathi. A vote of thanks by Anil Ahuja honored the volunteers, sponsors, performers, and partners who made the event possible.
The celebration reaffirmed Lexington’s values of diversity, civic engagement, cultural pride, and community partnership. As families departed with full hearts, many expressed hope that this cherished tradition continues for years to come — honoring India’s independence while celebrating the vibrant contributions of Indian Americans to Lexington’s community life.
Unity in diversity. Community through culture. Celebrating India, together in Lexington.