Celebration of India's Independence on Sunday

This weekend will bring a celebration six decades years in the making, as the Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey will celebrate the 64th India Independence Day at the South Brunswick Family YMCA on Aug. 21.

"This event has gotten bigger and better every year," said IACFNJ founder Mahesh "Mac" Shah. "We're expecting between 750 to 1,000 people, we'll have lots of food, drinks and live performances."

The celebration of Indian Independence helps younger people who were born in the U.S. make a connection to their cultural roots, Shah said.

"We want to bring awareness and provide an event that makes connections with our spiritual base and helps the new generation realize the struggle for independence," Shah said. "For those born here as proud Americans from the Indian community, we want to show them what it was like 64 years ago when we got freedom and why we celebrate.

"People who came here from India know what that celebration is like, but kids born here have no awareness of the struggle to get that independence. Patriotism is part of being an American, but we want to bring them some sort of awareness about the country where many of their parents are from."

The celebration is free and open to all, and will include free authentic Indian food sampling, along with pizza for the kids, in addition to cultural dances and live performances by the Latika Dance Academy and Tina's Magic from South Brunswick. The Hidden Gems will also be providing live music during the event.

"This event is going to be huge with live bands, live performances and a lot of fun," Shah said. "Our sponsors and Tom Libassi at the YMCA have been fantastic to help make this event special. It's going to be fantastic and mind blowing. This keeps getting bigger and better every year."

Shah said he'd like to invite the entire community to join in on the fun this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Brunswick Family YMCA, 329 Culver Road in Monmouth Junction.

"I urge the whole community to come out and enjoy the show," he said. "As the founder of this association we want everyone to join us. These events help build a bridge between the South Asian community and the rest of the community, that is our commitment."