As the India Day Parade approaches in New York City, advocates are urging for the removal of a controversial float that they argue promotes hate.

The float, representing a Hindu temple, has sparked concern, with some calling on Mayor Eric Adams to intervene.

“This float is not just a celebration of India; there is a deeper, darker history behind it,” says Husnaa Vhora, an advocacy associate at the Indian American Muslim Council.

Vhora argues that the float is divisive and should not be featured in the parade. “To say that this temple is a celebration of Indian culture and heritage, unity, and things like that, when it was built on the ruins of another religion, is very deeply troubling,” she says.

The annual India Day Parade, typically held in August, celebrates Indian independence and is known as the largest parade of its kind outside of India. Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations, the parade attracts thousands of participants and spectators who march down Madison Avenue starting at 40th Street.

However, Vhora believes that the inclusion of the float sends a harmful message. “As beautiful as the country is, there is a division going on in India right now between the government and religious minorities,” she says. “There is foreign interference at play here. The Indian government is involved through the Consul General.”

Critics of the float have labeled it as anti-Muslim and have been vocal in their opposition, sending a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and Adams in hopes of having it removed. In response, a spokesperson for Adams emphasized that New York City’s celebrations should be inclusive, honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds of its residents. A source close to the mayor’s team confirmed that, unlike last year, Adams will not attend the parade.

“We are urging the relevant offices to take action. We are urging that there is an investigation into the FIA, and we are hoping that the mayor and the offices that have the power to stop this float will do the right thing,” Vhora says.

A source close to the mayor’s office told News 12 that, under the First Amendment, the city cannot deny the float’s participation in the parade. News 12 also reached out to FIA for comment but did not receive a response at the time of this report. The parade is set to proceed as planned on Sunday.