Bhangra makes its debut in Indy 500 Parade
By Balbir Singh
Indianapolis, May 28 , 2017: Punjabi folk dance Bhangra made its debut at 500 Festival’s Parade 2017 in which a large number of Indian Americans participated.
World renowned artist, interfaith leader and recipient of a number of international awards Kanwal Prakash Singh, President of Indiana India Business Council Raju Chinthala, Sikhs Political Action Committee founder and chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa and Sikh Sangat president Maninder Singh Walia were among those who participated with enthusiasm.
More than 300,000 spectators thronged the venue to witness in the one and half km long Parade. Amidst loud cheers, Indiana Police officials displayed their skills on motor cycles. It is estimated that more than another one million watched from their televisions around the country, to view one of the nation’s premier parades.This year Eva Kor was named Grand Marshal of the 2017 IPL 500 Festival Parade.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcolmb, First Lady Janet Holcomb led the Parade acknowling the greetings of spectators assembled on both sides of the route. They were followed by Indianapolis Governor Joe Hogsett and his wife Stephanie Hogsett.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcolm and First Lady Janet Holcolm at the Parade
The IPL 500 Festival Parade allowed all spectators to witness the pageantry and larger-than-life floats light up the streets of downtown Indianapolis. Well-known celebrities, costumed characters, marching bands, patriotic units, specialty units, spectacular floats and giant helium balloons filled the streets to celebrate the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.
The tradition continued with the 33 starting drivers of the Indianapolis 500 serving as honorary grand marshals the day before the race, riding in the traditional rows of three, with the winner of the pole position bringing up the rear.
One of the original events produced by the 500 Festival, the IPL 500 Festival Parade has grown to be one of the signature events held in the United States each year. The Parade is the only 500 Festival event that has taken place every year since the organization’s founding in 1957.
Hossier Sikhs at the Indy 500 Parade 2017 in Indianapolis