VISIT TO NIAGRA FALLS ( one of the most visited tourist spots globally)

VISIT TO NIAGRA FALLS ( one of the most visited tourist spots globally)

Niagara Falls, Empire State Building lit-up for India's I-Day

The iconic Empire State Building and Niagara Falls were illuminated with the Tricolour to mark India's 72nd Independence Day with the Indian diaspora in the United States celebrating the occasion, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and history in a series of events.

IMAGE: The Empire State Building illuminated with Indian Tricolour. Photograph: Kind courtesy @EmpireStateBldg

A special ceremony was organised at the world-famous skyscraper in New York's midtown Manhattan for lighting it up in saffron, white and green.

'Happy India Day from New York City! Together with the Federation of Indian Association, we're honouring India's Independence Day by recreating the Indian flag in lights tonight,' the twitter handle of the Empire State Building, the 1,454 feet-tall building with 102 stories, said in a tweet.

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 NYC Times Square.

Consul General of India in New York Sandeep Chakravorty accompanied by Srujal Parikh, president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) -- New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and singer Mickey Singh attended the event on Wednesday.

The Niagara Falls, arguably the world's most breathtaking waterfalls and one of the most visited tourist spots globally, was also illuminated in saffron, white and green to mark India's Independence Day.Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara is a very popular destination among Indians. I observed Niagara Falls from 213 vantage points — from the Canadian and American sides, from the river, from the top, and from the sides of the Falls. I’ve seen Niagara at day time and evening also. All this observance has been very hard work and not very restful, particularly when surrounded by throngs of other picture-snapping tourists.

There is considerable crass commercialism enveloping Viagra Falls, affectionately named because of the continuing lore of Niagara as a honeymoon destination. The Canadian side has high rises and enough neon to put Hong Kong to shame; the American side is much more quiet but equally declasse. Still, the three Falls collectively making up Niagara Falls are undeniably beautiful. While there are many taller water falls, Niagara remains a popular destination due to the breadth of the Falls and the volume of water going over them, water flowing from Lake Erie down to Lake Ontario.

In addition to walking ascross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada and all over the parks on both the Canadian and American sides, I also played tourist by going on the Maid of the Mist, a Star Ferry-esque boat ride near the bases of the American and Horseshoe Falls, and Journey Behind the Falls, which takes you to the side and behind the Canadian Falls. On both excursions we donned plastic ponchos and got drenched from the mist of the Falls.

Speaking of tourists, there are many of them. What surprises me is the number of Indian nationals who are visiting Niagara, and the number of Indian restaurants on the American side catering to this clientele. I never imagined Niagara would be such a popular destination among Indians.

The Indian diaspora in the US celebrated the Independence Day with patriotic fervour and zeal, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and history in a number of events across America.

IMAGE: The Niagara Falls, arguably the world's most breathtaking waterfalls and one of the most visited tourist spots globally, was also illuminated in saffron, white and green. Photograph: Kind courtesy @IndiainNewYork

In Washington, the Indian Embassy organised a flag-hoisting ceremony at the embassy premises.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Indian community in large numbers.

India's Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna unfurled the Tricolour, after which those present sang the National Anthem.

Sarna then addressed the guests and as a custom, read out President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation.

He also handed out prizes to the children of the Indian diaspora who participated in singing of patriotic songs and speech competition on the topic 'India of My Dreams', organised by the Embassy as part of 'India@70' celebrations.

A brief cultural programme involving rendition of patriotic songs by school children was also organised.

India's permanent mission to the UN and the Indian consulate in New York also hosted events to mark the occasion. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher attended the festivities.