Indian-American Muslims refuse to participate in India Day Parade due to inclusion of Shriram Mandir replica in the float

India Day Parade in New York, USA

New York (USA) – Non-Resident Indians living in America celebrated India’s Independence Day on 18th August with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, the 42nd India Day Parade was organised in New York; however, a controversy arose over the depiction of the Shriram Temple in the parade. Indian-American Muslims termed this depiction as ‘anti-Muslim’ and demanded its removal, but the organisers rejected the demand and included the depiction in the parade. A group representing Indian-American Muslims withdrew their own (Muslim) float from the parade in protest of depiction of the Shriram Temple, and members of the group also refused to participate in it.

India Day Parade held in New York, showcases Shri Ram Mandir float despite protest

Indian American Mu$l!ms withdrew its float from the Parade following the inclusion of the Shri Ram Mandir float#IndiaDayParade #JaiSriRam #Hinduphobia@USHindus @CoHNAOfficial pic.twitter.com/HfZMKibtN2

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) August 19, 2024

Actor MP Manoj Tiwari, actress Sonakshi Sinha and actor Pankaj Tripathi participated in this Parade.

How was the depiction of Shriram Temple ?

For the Shriram Temple depiction, a wooden boat measuring 18 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet high was prepared. It was made in India and shipped to America by air. This boat featured a replica of Shriram Temple using pink sandstone, which is also used for Shriram in Ayodhya.

The Shriram Temple was decorated with flowers, and a replica of the Idol of Shriram Lalla was also placed on the boat.