The Indian Business Association (IBA), Oak Tree Road, Iselin, held a Christmas Spectacular at India Square, located near the Oak Tree Road Shopping District. The program, which culminated in the lighting of the IBA Christmas tree, featured live music performances and dance groups.
“We blended classic Christmas carols with Indian music to create a unique program that the people really enjoyed,” explained IBA Executive Vice President Viru Patel. “The audience really loved Rudolph and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” he stated.
Santa Claus made a special appearance and distributed more than 1,500 gifts to children, who also enjoyed train rides and other activities. The free event, open to the public, drew families from across New Jersey.
“We are developing Oak Tree Road into the Indian community’s Times Square. Today, we brought that dream closer to reality with our own version of Rockefeller Center,” said Dhiren Amin, president of the IBA. The 23- foot Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments will be on display through January.
“The Township of Woodbridge really worked with us in organizing the event,” said IBA Chairman Chandrakant Patel. The Iselin Fire Department had a fire truck on site and gave tours to visitors. The Christmas tree was lit by Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, and other members of the Woodbridge Council were present as well.
“Our goal for this event was to create a bridge between the Indian community and the larger community. We had many new faces visit Oak Tree Road for the first time. That’s good for the community and it’s good for the businesses on Oak Tree Road,” said Mahesh Shah. “I was so happy to see the look on the faces of children as they met Santa,” he added.
“We are also grateful that Santa stopped by India Square,” Amin added.