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On any given day, Oak Tree Road in Edison, N.J., is a thriving “Little India” but on Aug. 9, it promises to become way busier when more than 35,000 people from surrounding areas and states will converge to enjoy a taste of India and spend their money at the numerous stores offering all and sundry Indian goods.
Some 500 representatives of businesses, community organizations, sponsors and volunteers gathered at the TV Asia studios July 8 to share details about the New Jersey India Day Parade which takes place under the banner of the India Business Association. The day after the kickoff, the IBA joined by Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac launched the Woodbridge “Buy Local” APP on Oak Tree Road outside Sahil Store. “In addition to promoting businesses, the APP is also designed as a tool that allows you to communicate discounts and special offers to your customer base,” Mayor McCormac is quoted saying in a press release. “The stores on Oak Tree will benefit the most because Oak Tree Road is so unique and special” he added.
“We really get a good draw at the annual India Day Parade and expect to increase the numbers this year,” Satish Poondi, legal advisor to IBA told Desi Talk. Last year close to 38,000 people attended according to MyCentralJersey.com.
The parade which traverses Oak Tree Road from Edison to Iselin side of Woodbridge, has a history of controversy with two groups vying to dominate it. However, the Indian Business Association appears to have got the upper hand over the Oak Tree Road Business Association with the May 2014 multi-year permit which it signed with Edison Township that was further extended this April. “This is the only (9-year) agreement (in existence) between us and the township and while it’s not exclusive, there’s only one parade from Edison to,” Poondi asserted.
The long-running feud may continue as the OTRBA also wants a similar permit and parallel parades were held in one year. Town officials say the permit to IBA is not exclusive.
Township Business Administrator Maureen Ruane told NJ.com this April that the IBA permit does not stop other groups from applying for the same. As in the past 11years, this year’s parade will include floats, marching bands, walking groups, Bollywood celebrities, and elected officials.
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