“वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)” — The world is one family.
This timeless truth from the Upanishads is more than philosophy—it is
the soul of India. In 2025, it became the heartbeat of Nashville’s India Day
celebrations under the theme “India One”—a reminder that, even
across oceans, we remain bound by invisible threads of heritage, love, and
unity.
India is not a
single voice, rhythm, or color. It is a symphony of countless songs—each unique
yet blending into one harmonious melody. It is the poetry of many tongues, the
tapestry of traditions, the fragrance of festivals that bloom differently in
every region. And when Indians gather abroad under the tricolor, this harmony
travels across continents, lighting hearts with pride.
The Indian Spirit Across the Ocean
Hey friends,
Have you ever wondered how Indians in the USA celebrate Independence Day,
thousands of miles away from the land where our freedom was born? Yes, there’s
a quiet ache—the August air here doesn’t carry the scent of Indian soil or the
familiar sound of temple bells at dawn. But then… something magical happens.
The saffron,
white, and green ripple proudly in the breeze, the national anthem rises
strong, drums beat in unison, feet move in rhythm, and smiles spread across
faces. In that moment, geography melts away. India is not a place we’ve
left—it’s alive here, in our steps, our voices, and our celebrations.
Nashville Comes Alive
That magic
unfolded on Saturday, 9th August 2025, when the Indian Association of Nashville hosted its grand annual India Day at Nashville Public Square.
At 10:30 AM, Mayor Freddie O’Connell officially declared the date Indian
Cultural Heritage Day, honoring the vibrant spirit and contributions of
the Indian community.
The parade
began on Dederick Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues, filling the streets with
music, colors, and cultures. The famous line from our national anthem—“पंजाब सिंधु गुजरात मराठा द्राविड़ उत्कल बंग
(Panjaba-Sindha-Gujrata-Maharata/Dravida-Utkala-Vanga”—came alive as communities proudly
showcased their heritage.
A Parade of Colors & Cultures
The parade was
a living tapestry of India’s unity in diversity, with each community adding its
own vibrant thread.
Punjabi Circle in Nashville-
A truck adorned
with Sikh symbols rolled forward to the infectious beats of bhangra. Men
in regal turbans and women in bright Patiala suits danced with
boundless energy, radiating pride in their roots.
Sindhi Association of Middle Tennessee –
At the front of their float sat a lifelike statue of Jhulelal, as if blessing the procession. Members dressed in Ajrak shawls and Sindhi tupis sang traditional songs that carried the warmth of Sindh.Gujarat Association of Middle Tennessee –
The deep thump of the dhol and the swirl of Garba dancers lit up the streets. Women in ghagra-cholis with bandhani dupattas and men in kediyu brought Gujarat’s festive spirit straight to Tennessee.Tennessee Marathi Mangal –
With chants of “Jai Bhawani – Jai Shivaji” and the rhythmic clink of the Lezim dance, the Marathi group instantly captured the crowd’s attention.
Kerala Association of Nashville –
Kerala’s float radiated tradition, with the grandeur of Kathakali brought to life through elaborate costumes and striking face paint.Tennessee Telugu Samiti –
Representing Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, they showcased the elegance of Kuchipudi dance and traditional attire, celebrating their rich cultural heritage.Nashville Kannada Koota –
Bringing the energy of Karnataka, they featured the drum-heavy Dollu Kunitha and the elegance of Mysore silk, painting the streets with festive hues.Tennessee Tamizh Sangam –
From the grace of Bharatanatyam to temple-inspired float decorations, they celebrated the depth and beauty of Tamil culture.
Bihar Jharkhand Association of Nashville –
Their segment honored Chanakya’s wisdom, the ancient glory of Nalanda University, the pride of MS Dhoni, and the earthy rhythms of Bhojpuri folk.Odisha –
Amid chants of 'Jai Jagannath,' Odisha’s float radiated spiritual devotion while showcasing its rich cultural heritage.Bengali Association of Greater Nashville –
Draped in red-and-white sarees, with the beat of dhak and the words of Tagore, they brought the vibrant fervor of Durga Puja to life.Assamese Community in Tennessee –
Dressed in mekhela chador and dhoti-gamosa, they danced to lively bihu rhythms, bringing a vibrant touch of Northeast India to the celebration.A Piece of India
After the
parade, Nashville Public Square transformed into a bustling mini-India. The
aroma of samosas, biryani, dosa, idli, chaas (butter milk), and hot chai
filled the air. Stalls overflowed with silk sarees, handmade jewelry, and
colorful crafts—treasures that felt like home.
The most
emotional moment came when the crowd sang the U.S. national anthem, followed by
the Indian national anthem. Under the Tennessee sky, it felt as if saffron,
white, and green light poured gently over everyone—a blessing from Mother India
herself.
A Stage of Diverse Stories
The stage came
alive with a whirlwind of performances—Bharatanatyam’s grace, Bhangra’s energy,
Bihu’s joy, Garba’s swirl, and Bengali folk’s earthy charm. Every step and
every beat were proof that our roots travel with us, no matter where we go.
Once an Indian, always a proud Indian
As the sun
dipped in the west, a wave of respect and remembrance swept over the crowd. The
joy we celebrated today was made possible by the blood, courage, and sacrifice
of freedom fighters whose legacy can never fade from the heart of any Indian.
They live with us— in our pride, in our freedom, in every beat of the national
anthem.
Equally, our
soldiers—standing guard day and night at the borders, far from their own
families to protect our national family—deserve the heartfelt salute of every
Indian, no matter where in the world we may be.
A mournful
Bengali song echoed softly:
“কত বিপ্লবী বন্ধুর রক্তে রাঙা / বন্দীশালার ওই শিকল ভাঙ্গা / তারা কি ফিরিবে আর?”
(How many revolutionary friends, their blood coloring the soil, broke the
chains of prison—will they ever return?)
India Day in Nashville was more than a gathering; it was a
heartbeat of the 79th Independence Day—a celebration that whispered the truth:
Once an Indian, always a proud Indian. It was unity in diversity—woven
through music, dance, food, and friendship—and a silent vow to forever honor
the freedom fighters and soldiers whose unwavering love and sacrifice keep the
flame of Mother India burning bright.
TAGS: GAMT, TNMM, KAN, TTS, Nashville Kannada Koota, TTS, BAGN, Probashe Durga Pujo, Life Explorer
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