PIX: Vidya Balan flags off India Day Parade in NY

Her fans and detractors may have had misgivings about her bizarre turn at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year but Vidya Balan was a huge hit as Grand Marshal at the annual India Day Parade held in Manhattan, New York on August 17.

Dressed in a gorgeous kalamkari sari by designer Asmita Marwa and an elegant hairdo, the actress was in her element as she flagged off the parade.

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The actress waves to Indian-origin New Yorkers who participated in the parade. 

Vidya joins the list of Bollywood A-listers like Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji who have served as Grand Marshals in the past.

Considered one of the most colourful annual events witnessed by New York, the parade -- now in its 33rd year -- is held to celebrate the Indian independence day.

Besides Balan, India's anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare was also present at the flag off.

The Ghanchakkar actress shows off her filmi moves at the ceremony. 

Dancers perform during the three-hour-long celebrations.

The ceremony also comprised of cultural shows and dance and music performances by local artists.

Thousands of New Yorkers thronged the venue to take part in the parade.

Vidya Balan also attended the press conference preceding the grand parade and said that she was looking forward to shopping for gadgets in the Big Apple.

Tamil film star Sarath Kumar and his wife Radhika were among the celebrities who lead the parade.