Over 40,000 celebrate India’s Independence Day on Oak Tree Road in Edison, NJ

(Edison, New Jersey) - Blessed with beautiful weather, Indian Americans throughout New Jersey turned out for the 13th Annual New Jersey India Day Parade, hosted by the Indian Business Association. Official estimates place the crowd size well over 40,000. The parade, which celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day, included Bollywood star Riteish Deshmukh as Grand Marshall.

“We had an amazing turnout, largest in the history of this event” announced Dhiren Amin, President of the Association. “We literally have hundreds of volunteers who worked around the clock to organize this event. I am really proud of our team” he added

On hand for the festivities were Ambassador Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, both candidates for Governor, along with their respective running mates. Also in attendance were several elected officials from both parties, including legislators, freeholders, and mayors.

Edison Mayor Tom Lankey administered the Oath of Office to IBA Vice President Mahesh Bhagia, who has been appointed as Special Assistant to the Mayor for Edison Township. “It was a historic moment” said Manher Shah, who is a trustee for IBA.

The parade featured 19 floats, 2 marching bands, and a number of walking groups. Over 100 organizations participate in the festivities. The Air India and JFK Hospital floats particularly drew the attention of the audience. Chandrakant Patel, Chairman for the organization thanked its sponsors. “Our sponsors are generous and supportive of the community. They should be commended.”

A cultural program featuring local artists followed the parade. The parade runs through Oak Tree Road, from Edison to Woodbridge. It is the only parade that runs through two towns. The IBA is a non-profit organization that serves New Jersey’s Indian American community through cultural programs, education seminars, and public policy activity.