(Image source from: www.eenaduindia.com)

The iconic Empire State Building and Niagara Falls were lighted in the colors of Indian flag to mark India's 72nd Independence Day with the Indian community in the United States celebrating the occasion, showcasing the country's affluent cultural heritage and history through a plethora of events.

In New York's midtown Manhattan, a particular ceremony was organized at the world-famous skyscraper 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 honoring 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.

Happy India Day from New York City! Together with the Federation of Indian Association, we’re honoring India’s Independence Day by recreating the Indian flag in lights tonight.

@nyclovesnyc pic.twitter.com/PBnLzXuLBs

— Empire State Bldg (@EmpireStateBldg) August 15, 2018

One of the most visited tourist spots globally - Niagara Falls - was lighted in saffron, white and green to mark India's 72nd Independence Day.

Srujal Parikh, president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, has said he expects about 150,000 people to attend this year's cultural extravaganza, which will feature 35 floats and 30 marching contingents as well as dance performances such as Bihu and Lavani showcasing India's regional diversity.

He further said the parade's central message will be 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world is one family' and will bring together for the first time communities from other South Asian and Caribbean nations.

Ministers and diplomats from nations such as Antigua, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are expected to attend the parade.

Parikh, an IT manager in the New York Police Department and trustee of the NYPD Indian Police Officers organization, said the city's police department will as well take part in the parade.

Each year, thousands of people from the Indian diaspora converge in the heart of Manhattan in their conventional attire to observe India's Independence Day.

The day-long celebrations include cultural entertainment, special food stalls, and floats by several U.S.-based Indian organizations.

Through live broadcast, the ample India day parade outside India will reach 1.4 million viewing audiences.

By Sowmya Sangam