In keeping with its mission of “Bridging Cultures, Building Community,” the Indian Cultural Center of South Jersey (ICC) has celebrated its annual Community Day every year since its groundbreaking in 2009, bringing together families and neighbors through music, food, entertainment, shopping, cultural performances and activities for children.
This year, the ICC once again welcomed the South Jersey community on Sept. 27 for Tiranga, its annual, free community day event and a vibrant celebration of diversity. Organized by the ICC board, under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Jayesh Parikh and President Dr. Amrita Desai, Tiranga transformed the ICC into the colorful sights, sounds and spirit of a traditional Indian mela, or community fair. Although inclement weather moved the festivities indoors, the rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Hundreds of residents filled the ICC with music, laughter and celebration, demonstrating the very spirit of community that Tiranga was created to foster.
“Tiranga is more than a name – it represents what we hope to build,” Desai said. “We chose the name Tiranga, meaning ‘tricolor,’ because to us, those colors have come to represent something much larger – a celebration of the many colors, cultures and traditions that make up our community. We wanted this day to feel like a true Indian mela – a place where you can hear music, watch children dance, enjoy wonderful food, shop, meet old friends and make new ones. But most importantly, we wanted everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural background, to feel that this celebration belongs to them too.”
Throughout the day, the halls came alive with music and dance performances featuring participants of all ages. Families enjoyed an array of food, shopping and cultural activities, while vendors offered Indian cuisine, jewelry, clothing and ethnic merchandise – creating the lively atmosphere of a bustling Indian mela. The celebration was also honored by the presence of local dignitaries, including Voorhees Township Mayor Michael Mignogna, Evesham Township Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, Evesham Township Deputy Mayor Heather Cooper and Tom Reinholt, the Chief of Police for the Evesham Township Police Department.
Diversity should not simply be something the community talks about, Desai emphasizes, but it should be something we experience, celebrate and share. When people come together around food, music, art and laughter, differences become opportunities to learn from one another and friendships begin to grow, she added.
“That is the heart of Tiranga,” Desai said. “It is not only a celebration of Indian heritage; it is a celebration of all of us and of the beautifully diverse community we call home. India itself teaches us the beauty of unity in diversity, and here in America we have the privilege of living among neighbors whose families, faiths and traditions come from every corner of the world. Tiranga is our way of opening our doors and saying: come celebrate with us.”
Parikh reflected on how closely Tiranga embodies the organization’s larger purpose.
“(The) ICC’s mission is to bridge cultures and build community,” he said. “Our annual Community Day, Tiranga, is that mission in action – our heritage shared openly with all our neighbors. Seeing families and people of different generations and backgrounds celebrating together is what makes this event so special. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to welcoming the entire community back again next year.”
For more on the ICC, visit www.iccofsj.org.
Inclement weather moved the festivities indoors, but the fun didn’t damper.
Families enjoyed shopping and cultural activities.
The Indian Cultural Center of South Jersey’s vibrant Tiranga event was a celebration of diversity on Sept. 27.
