Thousands came together Sunday, Aug. 14 to celebrate India's Independence Day
EDISON -- Thousands of people flooded the streets Sunday afternoon despite soaring temperatures to celebrate the annual India Day Parade in Edison.
They carried flags, danced to music and evoked so much enthusiasm that security officer struggled to keep the spectators off the Oak Tree Road parade route at times.
The event drew over 20 floats from organizations ranging from the India Business Association to Air India, which had pilots in uniform to waving to the crowd. India Day is celebrated on Aug. 15 around the world to commemorate India's independence from the British Empire in 1947.
The triple-digit heat index didn't stop people from wearing traditional dress. Mahua Bose of the Garden State Cultural Committee wore a Bengali sari.
"But it's cotton, so we all feel good," she said.
Edison gives decade-long permit for India Day parade
This was Satish Poondi's 12th India Day Parade. Poondi, who serves as legal adviser to the India Business Association, said his favorite is the children who come to watch.
"It's the most touching aspect," he said.
When asked how Poondi was staying cool, he answered simply: "I'm not."
Kate Mishkin may be reached at kmishkin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KateMishkin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.