By IANS
New York : Over 25,000 Indian-Americans gathered at a parade held in New Jersey to celebrate India’s Independence Day that had Bollywood actress Urmila Matondakar as grand marshal.
Over 20 floats, marching bands, costumed characters and dancers were part of the parade Sunday that was held on Oak Tree Road, known as ‘New Jersey’s Little India’.
A cultural programme was held at St. Cecelia’s Church, located at the end of the parade route.
Matondkar addressed the excited crowd in several languages and sang a song. She said: “I salute all of you for keeping the Indian spirit alive so far away from India.”
The actress added that this was the best celebration she had ever been to. Designer Manish Malhotra also participated in the fun-filled event.
Congressman Frank Pallone, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, State Senator Barbara Buono and Edison Mayor Jun H. Choi were also present at the parade organised by the Indian Business Association (IBA) and the New Jersey Federation of Indian Associations.
The two-hour cultural programme included dances and folk songs. “We wanted to expand the cultural programme portion of the parade to enhance the celebrations,” said Chandrakant Patel, executive vice-president of IBA.
“This year’s parade is the largest yet … we made history today,” said Manher Shah, IBA president.
About two percent of New Jersey’s 8.4 million residents are Indian Americans.