The block of Newark Avenue in Jersey City between Kennedy Boulevard and Tonnelle Avenue known as “Little India,” was the center of one big religious and cultural block party this past Friday and Saturday, and will continue next weekend Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3.
It is a street festival that will see singing and dancing performances, worship services and appearances by politicians such as Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and Governor Jon Corzine. Up to 10,000 people are estimated to attend each day of the festival.
Navaratri is a traditional nine-day celebration in which nine Hindu goddesses are worshipped, and it is considered a period for observers to fast and engage in introspection.
The Navaratri event in Jersey City has taken place since 2002, and this year’s event is free of charge and jointly hosted by the Jersey City Asian Merchant Association (JCAMA) with Govinda Sanskar Center, the Journal Square Restoration Corporation, and Jersey City’s Urban Enterprise Zone.
Raj Patel, the president of the JCAMA, is a Gujarat native. This celebration helps him keep in touch with a tradition that he still appreciates.
“It’s wonderful to celebrate this outdoors, just it is done in India, and helps me stay close with my culture and faith,” Patel said. – RK