SAN JOSE, CA — The Association of Indo Americans (AIA), in partnership with San Jose city leadership, has announced a two-day public celebration to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence. The festivities include a formal flag-raising ceremony at San Jose City Hall followed by a city parade and cultural showcase. Both events are free to the public.
Day 1: Flag Raising Ceremony at San Jose City Hall Rotunda
Date & Time: Friday, August 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM).
Venue: San Jose City Hall Rotunda, 200 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95112.
Co-Hosts: San Jose Councilmember Domingo Candelas and the Association of Indo Americans (AIA).
Event Highlights: Cultural performances, remarks by dignitaries including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Candelas, and a formal flag-raising ceremony.
Parking & RSVP: Free validated parking is available at 88 S 4th Street, San Jose, CA. Organizers recommend allowing 20 minutes to walk from the parking garage to the venue. Attendees can RSVP via tinyurl.com/AIASwades2026.
Day 2: “Swades” Parade, Flag Hoisting & Cultural Extravaganza
Date & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Theme: “Swades” — Celebrating the 80th Independence Day of India alongside the 250th Anniversary of US Independence.
Schedule of Events:
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Community Parade along the route from 300 Coleman Ave to 201 S Market St, San Jose.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Flag Hoisting and key addresses by visiting dignitaries at Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Cultural performances and community celebrations.
Confirmed Dignitaries & Special Guests
Honorable Guest: Actress Taapsee Pannu.
Diplomatic & Federal Representatives: Dr. Srikar Reddy (Consul General of India, San Francisco), Congressman Sam Liccardo, and representatives from Congressman Ro Khanna’s office.
State & County Officials: Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Patrick Ahrens, and Gail Pellerin.
Regional Mayors: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein.
San Jose City Council: Vice Mayor Pam Foley alongside Councilmembers Domingo Candelas, George Casey, Bien Doan, Anthony Tordillos, and David Cohen.
