Drumming was a big part of the Japan Day parade but, for some reason, I didn’t expect drum groups at this parade. But what a nice surprise, I loved every minute of it! 

One thing I noticed was that half the group would walk backwards (43s) while drumming. Why? Maybe to show off their skills – not only can we drum, but we can do it while not seeing where we’re going.

As a compulsive BJ comments reader I knew to be on the lookout for some irregularities at this parade, and there were a few. I only caught one of them live, but that’s because it was easy to spot as it involved the float of a local, elderly, addled, so insecure he’s a compulsive liar, and a convicted sexual deviant and felon politician. (Interestingly, his was the only political float at the parade, and the people on it looked very well off.)

Others, like the Hindu temple (15s) in the picture, I only figured out after the parade. My first thought when I saw it was “Hmm, that looks a bit rickety, I wonder why it’s in the parade?” I mean, there were temples at the Japan Day parade, but they were much better crafted. I didn’t realize it was “the temple” at the time.

Another thing was a BJP MP (Manoj Tiwari) appearing with Indian movie stars (14s) Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal who were on a float surrounded by vaguely menacing security. I didn’t recognize any of them live, but I did do some reading once at home.

I don’t know if this was just for the parade, but both the women and the men were dressed to impress (16s). 

This was the best doggy (16s) at the parade, and I’m not just saying that because of the super cute face. He was on a moving float, surrounded by people, some of whom were even shoving cameras in his face, and he still managed to maintain his composure.

Loved these two ladies. They were just waking by, when they noticed the camera and started dancing (13). People dancing in the streets of NYC is one of my favorite things to film.

One thing of note, there were Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups marching, with the Christian groups being the largest of the three.

The dearth of local politicians marching in the India Day parade was noticeable. They never miss an opportunity to show up for a parade. For example, here is our most incorruptible and competent mayor at the Dominican Day parade.

And here’s another politician from the same parade, Señor Senador Chuck Schumer working the crowd. (32s first Schumer, then Adams)

Back to the India Day parade, you haven’t lived a full life until you’ve seen Indian style Gangnam Style (18s). 

I was walking home through Madison Square Park after the parade, when I noticed a group of dancers posing for pictures. I joined in and, just as the photo session was ending, Gangnam Style starts playing from somewhere on nearby Madison Avenue, and the group just breaks out dancing. 

I love the city, and I love people dancing in its streets!