PHOTOS: India Independence Day Parade

By Laura M. Browning in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 16, 2010 3:00PM

Tiny Indian flags hang on scaffolding on Devon Ave.

$Even just before the parade started, there wasn\'t much of a crowd.$

The onlookers wait for the first floats to appear.

$Alexi Giannoulias, somewhat inexplicably named the parade\'s Grand Marshal, shmoozes with parade goers.$

A shop owner proudly placed small Indian flags all around his door.

Even though the parade was small, the pride was large.

Joel Pollak, wearing both yarmulke and Kurta pajamas, was a Guest of Honor.

$What\'s a parade without the Jesse White Tumblers?$ $Part of Pollak\'s entourage.$

$A sad and lonely Dunkin Donuts float served as the parade\'s caboose.$

A sparse but enthusiastic crowd gathered in Rogers Park yesterday to mark India's 63rd anniversary of becoming a sovereign nation independent from British rule by throwing her a parade. To be honest, we were hoping for some extravagant Bollywood numbers, but the relatively sedate floats still donned plenty of orange and green to celebrate India's independence from Great Britain. The parade was also a hotspot for politicians (and politician-wannabes), including Alexi Giannoulias, Toni Preckwinkle, and Joel Pollak, who donned both a yarmulke and Kurta pajamas for the occasion. We hope they stayed around after the parade like we did to enjoy a mango lassi and masala dosa.

Best of Chicagoist

The Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Chicago The Best Restaurants For Vegetarians In Chicago The Best 'Anti-Brunch' Breakfast Spots In Chicago, Where You Can Eat All Week 4 Chicago Spots With Can't-Miss Pumpkin Spice Lattes Our Readers Picked The Best Burger Spot In Chicago