By Neena Bhandari, IANS
Sydney : An Indian float with nearly 70 bhangra, folk and Bollywood dancers dressed in bright hues and finery, made eyes turn as the first ever Christmas parade kicked off the Yuletide spirit in Sydney.
As the colourful extravaganza with show-stopping floats, dancing troupes, marching bands, clowns, performers and cartoon characters, Sunday wound its way down a 1.9 km route from Wynyard to Santa’s Village in Tumbalong Park, a 50,000 strong crowd lined the main George Street in the city.
Adorned with flowers and decorated with traditional rangoli, the Indian float showcased “India’s rich cultural diversity and conveyed the message of Athithi Devo Bhava, encouraging Australians to travel to India,” said Indian Tourism’s regional director in Sydney, Shanker Dhar.
“The Indian float, designed by Rajeev Maini, was inspired by the built heritage of India, especially the Red Fort. The horses at the front represented the strength of the Indian economy and the strides it is making in establishing partnerships with the rest of the world. The palanquin represented the traditions and inner beauty of India,” said Gajendra Kumar, assistant director of the India Tourism office here.
Eight-year-old Elena, fascinated by the small and large puppets on the float representing the varied arts and crafts of India, said: “The Indian float is the liveliest.”
This first-ever unique procession had a strong international flavour.
Besides the Incredible India float, the parade featured floats and performers from New Zealand, the indigenous Maori cultural group performing the Haka, the French Lions Club among others.
The star attraction was, of course, Santa Claus riding on his giant sleigh, prompting thousands of children to shout out in glee.
Modelled on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the Sydney parade brought communities together, raising funds for charity and as parade organiser Anthony Mead said: “Giving Sydney the Christmas celebration it deserves!”
The Sydney City Council touted it as “the most spectacular public event since the 2000 Sydney Olympics”.
Families participated in the revelry long into the evening Sunday, with live entertainment spreading Christmas cheer.