Indian diaspora in US celebrates I-Day in Washington DC Metro area

Aug 16, 2020

Washington DC (US), Aug 16 (ANI): Drive thru festival was organised by Indian diaspora in US to celebrate 74th Independence Day. Around 800 cars joined the grand celebrations. Tricolour was unfurled in Washington DC Metro area on the special day. Festival of freedom was organised by husband-wife duo Manish Sood and Deepa Shahani. An innovative concept that was created by the Sood family, had its own journey from ideation to execution, keeping COVID-19 in mind. Speaking to ANI, Deepa Shahani said, “This event was incorporated by us. We have been here in the US for so many years, I have not seen anything big scale happening here. Last year, me and my husband decided that we should celebrate India's Independence Day in a big and grand way.” “We started it last year, this year due to COVID-19, we faced problems with the venue. So we started this drive and celebrating India's Independence Day,” she added. Her husband, Manish Sood said, “It is a super successful event. It is the first of its kind event. Even during COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrated India's Independence Day.” Many in the gathering held India's tricolour, donned traditional ensemble and danced to the tunes of patriotic numbers. Indian flag was hoisted at the event by Minister of Community Affairs Anurag Kumar who was the Guest of Honour. Flowers were showered by a chopper to add to the grandeur of celebrations on special day.