Waving the tricolour and marching across the streets of Manhattan to chants of Vande Mataram, participants displayed not just patriotism but also the strong ties between America and India.
'God Bless India' and 'God Bless America' were constant refrains at the parade, which was televised live by all major American television networks.
Celebrity attendees included New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Congressmen Joseph Crawley and Anthony D Weiner.
Referring to the Congressmen's shouting of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, New Jersey state Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula said it meant they had taken the time to understand what was important for the community.
Michael Bloomberg with Indian organisers.