Thousands enjoy the annual two-day ‘India Fair’ in New Jersey

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Thousands of visitors came to Edison, New Jersey to enjoy two days of entertainment, shopping, eating, and meeting friends and family, at the April 22 and 23, 2023, India Fair. Local elected officials also came to meet constituents and appreciate the diversity and jubilation at the event.

Held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, Raritan Center in Edison, NJ, the 16^th India Fair, which is traditionally  organized by event-management company Business NJ, sought to bring people and businesses together at one venue. Many non-Indians also attended the fair to enjoy the culture and variety of Indian foods, organizers said in a press release.

Bollywood celebrity Shweta Pandit was the Chief Guest on both days, and she lived up to the expectations of the thousands of fans. She sang for more than two hours on April 22, with joyful renderings of her popular numbers including the one which won the Oscar – Jai Ho. Next day, she sang another of her popular songs on public demand.

On April 23, there was a dance competition among teams from  local leading schools. Teams were divided into Junior and Senior categories. The Senior category was won by Natraj Dance Academy, and the junior category winner was Shivaay Dance Academy, a press release from organizers said.

The popular dances seen at India Fair were Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak, classical performances that brought India to the doorstep in New Jersey.

Many other activities took place on the stage of India Fair including back-to-back Bollywood and ethnic dances and live performances by many local singers on both days.  There was also a special segment for kids who performed on stage.

For many visitors, the big attraction was the ‘kurtis’ being sold, as were the silk sarees, dresses, handicrafts, bags, jewelry, bangles, diamond jewelry, one-gram gold jewelry and much more, that vendors were offering.

Many insurance companies, banks, and a variety of vendors from all over the country participated in the Fair, as did some from India.

India Fair “is aimed at promoting understanding and appreciation of India’s rich culture, heritage, craft and culinary arts,” organizers said. It showcases Indian art and handicrafts, costume jewelry, traditional dresses, Indian cuisine, and an array of Indian classical and popular performing arts from Bollywood to classical.

A live DJ and singing by well known local artists in the South Asian community were a big draw for attendees.

Indian Cuisine – vegetarian and non-vegetarian- was also a major attraction at the Fair. Haveli Punjab Di of Edison, was among was among the Indian restaurants and catering facilities. The variety of foods from different regions of India, north and south, and especially the mango ‘lassi’ and dosa, were a great attraction.

Bhoomi Coffee – a new beverage venture was launched at India Fair and thousands of people tasted their samples.

Another hit was a newly introduced Tata Tea in a variety of tastes. Namaste India, a new company, also presented a few new beverages with Mint (Pudina) and Jeera (Cumin) and other flavors that were appreciated by visitors.

Major sponsors of India Fair are RK Jewels, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Company, Star Tours, New York Life, BCB Bank, TD Bank, Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, Aaj Tak, Mana TV, New India Abroad and many others.

Media partners were Aap Ka Colors and radio partner was Radio Mirchi.

The fair was a public event and open to all. It has become one of the highly-anticipated festive occasions for the community, enhancing the already diverse nature of New Jersey.