6
edits
robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)
(1. doesn't have its own article, WP:WTAF; 2. goes instead to Avenel page--again, this looks like you're here to promote NJ entertainment sites, whether or not they merit mention) |
(robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} | {{use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} | ||
'''Little India, Edison/Iselin''', also known as '''Oak Tree Road''', is a heavily South Asian shopping, business and dining district centered on a road, designated County Route 604, in [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]], in [[Central New Jersey|Central]] [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/12000604__-.pdf|title=Middlesex County 604 straight line diagram|publisher=[[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]|accessdate=January 4, 2020}}</ref> It is about a thirty-five-minute drive southwest of [[Manhattan]] amid a leafy [[suburb]]an residential region home to many South Asian families. One food and entertainment critic has named the "atmospheric" Little India as one of the "50 Best Reasons to Live in New Jersey."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2021/11/the-50-best-reasons-to-live-in-new-jersey.html|title=The 50 best reasons to live in New Jersey|first=Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=November 28, 2021|website=nj}}</ref> | |||
Little India on Oak Tree Road runs for about one-and-a-half miles through [[Edison, New Jersey|Edison]] and neighboring [[Iselin, New Jersey]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/17/nyregion/in-edison-a-crossroads-of-diversity.html|title=In Edison, a Crossroads of Diversity|first=Robert|last=Hanley|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 17, 1991}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/09/travel/indo-chinese-restaurants-edison-new-jersey.html|title=Indo-Chinese Food Is Hard to Find, Except in New Jersey|first=David|last=Shaftel|newspaper=The New York Times|date=9 March 2017|publisher=}}</ref> The epicenter of Little India retail is traditionally on the two-block stretch of Oak Tree Road between Correja Avenue and Middlesex Avenue in Iselin, an area officially known as India Square; there, as of 2017, rents were roughly double over the rest of the strip.<ref name="auto4"/> The intersection of Wood Avenue and Oak Tree Road is where the two towns meet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://brooklynbased.com/2012/01/26/day-trip-edison-and-iselin-new-jersey/|title=Day Trip: Edison and Iselin, New Jersey for South Asian flavors | Brooklyn Based|date=January 26, 2012|website=brooklynbased.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/food/2017/06/50_best_restaurants_new_jersey.html|title=The 49 N.J. restaurants you need to eat at before you die|first=Vicki Hyman | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=June 26, 2017|website=nj}}</ref> | |||
Oak Tree Road in Edison and Iselin is home to over 400 South Asian business establishments, including dining, [[halal]] grocery, jewelry, [[apparel]] and [[consumer electronics|electronics]] retailing, and [[entertainment industry|entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oaktreeroad.us/|title=Oak Tree Road Edison, Iselin NJ Indian Shopping, Food, Restaurants}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saveur.com/indian-restaurants-food-edison-new-jersey|title=A One-Day Snacker's Guide to Edison, NJ, One of America's Best Indian Food Destinations|website=SAVEUR|date=March 18, 2019|accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/27indianj.html|title=A Place Where Indians, Now New Jerseyans, Thrive|first=Joseph|last=Berger|newspaper=The New York Times|date=27 April 2008|publisher=|accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/edison-brimming-with-indian-culture/|title=Edison Brimming with Indian Culture - Video|publisher=|accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref> Many come to the area for its traditional gold and [[Maharashtra|Maharashtrian]] jewelry retailers.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/little-india-thrives-in-central-new-jersey|title=Little India Thrives in Central New Jersey|date=September 25, 2017|website=Dow Jones Newswires}}</ref> Indian-American supermarket chain [[Patel Brothers]] has a location on the strip.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/new-generation-of-gujaratis-take-political-guard-on-american-pitch {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> | |||
Little India is located in [[Central Jersey]] in [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]], the U.S. county with the highest concentration of [[Indian Americans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2012/11/big_business_in_little_india_c.html|title=Big business in Little India: Commerce flourishes in vibrant ethnic neighborhood|first=Peter|last=Genovese|date=16 November 2012|website=nj.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Oak-Tree-Road-Iselin-NJ|title=Eat Street: Oak Tree Road, Iselin, N.J.|website=SAVEUR|date=March 31, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/21/realestate/if-you-re-thinking-of-living-in-iselin-nj-curry-and-saris-spice-a-typical-suburb.html|title=If You're Thinking of Living In/Iselin, N.J.; Curry and Saris Spice a 'Typical' Suburb|first=Julia|last=Lawlor|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 21, 2002}}</ref> | |||
This zone is the largest and most diverse [[South Asian]] ethnic enclave and cultural hub in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/little-india-thrives-in-central-new-jersey-1506340801|title='Little India' Thrives in Central New Jersey|first=Kate|last=King|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=25 September 2017|publisher=|via=www.wsj.com}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/monteburke/2012/06/06/the-ultimate-neighborhood-bank/|title=How Indo-Americans Created The Ultimate Neighborhood Bank|first=Monte|last=Burke|website=Forbes}}</ref> According to the 2017 [[American Community Survey]], 42.6% of Iselin residents identified themselves as being Asian Indian, the highest for any [[census-designated place]] in the United States.<ref>[https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/17_5YR/DP05/1600000US3434470] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20200213094649/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/17_5YR/DP05/1600000US3434470 |date=2020-02-13 }} Accessed April 28, 2019.</ref> | |||
Over 145 [[Indian cuisine|Indian]] restaurants alone are found in the neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://njmonthly.com/articles/eat-drink/oak-tree-road-street-of-dreams/|title=Oak Tree Road is a Street of Dreams for Lovers of South Asian Cuisine|date=1 May 2017|website=New Jersey Monthly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ny.eater.com/2017/3/13/14902030/the-best-indian-food-in-new-york-is-in-new-jersey|title=The Best Indian Food In New York Is Actually in New Jersey|first=Robert|last=Sietsema|date=13 March 2017|website=Eater NY}}</ref> Establishments have appeared on food critics' "best of South Asian cuisine" national and regional lists.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/travel/best-south-asian-indian-restaurants-in-united-states|title=America's 25 Best Indian Restaurants|date=August 24, 2018|website=The Daily Meal}} | |||
(listing Dimple’s BombayTalk in Iselin and Shalimar in Iselin among America's top 25 Indian Restaurants)</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-indian-nyc-nj-restaurants|title=Where to Find the Best Regional Indian Cooking in NY and NJ|first=Robert|last=Sietsema|date=September 29, 2021|website=Eater NY}}(listing Moghul Express in Edison; Dosa Express in Iselin; Chowpatty in Iselin)</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/dining/a-chef-revisits-his-indian-roots-in-new-jersey.html|title=Across the Hudson, Closer to India|first=Jeff|last=Gordinier|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 30, 2013}}</ref> The district, which lies nears the sprawling [[Chinese in New York City|Chinatown, Edison]],<ref name="auto1"/> is also known in particular as a destination for [[Indo-Chinese cuisine]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/09/travel/indo-chinese-restaurants-edison-new-jersey.html|title=Indo-Chinese Food Is Hard to Find, Except in New Jersey|first=David|last=Shaftel|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 9, 2017}}</ref> | |||
The area is served by [[Metropark station|Metropark Station]], providing a one-seat [[commuter rail]] connection to [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Penn Station]] in [[Midtown Manhattan]]. | |||
A variety of [[Hindu temples]] have been established along the strip, alongside diverse Christian, Jewish, and Muslim congregations in the greater area. Shirdi Sai Cultural and Community Center is one such temple. Located on the Iselin side of the district, it is devoted to the 19th century Indian saint [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsindiatimes.com/75th-birthday-of-viswayogi-maharaj-celebrated-at-shirdi-sai-cultural-center-in-new-jersey/|title=75th birthday of Viswayogi Maharaj celebrated at Shirdi Sai Cultural Center in New Jersey | News India Times|author=Staff Writer}}</ref> | |||
The actor-comedian [[Omi Vaidya]] celebrated the Oak Tree Road scene and South Asian culture in his 2020 song "Oak Tree Road," a parody of [[Old Town Road]].<ref>Parody of ‘Old Town Road’ celebrates Edison’s South Asian culture http://nj1015.com/parody-of-old-town-road-celebrates-edisons-south-asian-culture/?trackback=twitter_mobile @nj1015</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newjersey.news12.com/story/41860575/gonna-head-on-down-to-oak-tree-road-lil-nas-x-parody-pays-homage-to-njs-south-asian-community|title='Gonna head on down to Oak Tree Road' – Lil Nas X parody pays homage to NJ's South Asian community|website=newjersey.news12.com}}</ref> | |||
==History== | |||
[[File:NorthernNewJersey1777.jpg|thumb|right|360px|1777 map of the area where the [[Battle of Short Hills|Oak Tree Engagement]] took place. The greater battle occurred overall at points between [[Metuchen, New Jersey|"Metuchin"]] and [[Westfield, New Jersey|Westfield]]. "Spanktown" is modern-day [[Rahway, New Jersey|Rahway.]] Modern-day India Square in Iselin may be found here: {{coord|40.57393|-74.32642|mapframe=yes}}]] | |||
[[File:Simple Golu in New Jersey.jpg|thumb|A display of [[golu]] dolls in New Jersey for [[Navratri]]]] | |||
[[File:Saravana Bhavan Edison NJ.jpg|thumb|[[Saravana Bhavan]] restaurant off Oak Tree Road in [[Edison, New Jersey|Edison]]]] | [[File:Saravana Bhavan Edison NJ.jpg|thumb|[[Saravana Bhavan]] restaurant off Oak Tree Road in [[Edison, New Jersey|Edison]]]] | ||
Oak Tree Road is named for a large [[oak]] tree which stood at a crossroads where a market was located during the [[American Revolutionary War|Revolutionary War]] era.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=53346|title=The Oak Tree Neighborhood Historical Marker|website=www.hmdb.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://em.gmnews.com/news/2010-12-01/Front_Page/Historians_shed_light_on_site_of_1777_battle.html|title=Historians shed light on site of 1777 battle | em.gmnews.com | Edison/Metuchen Sentinel|date=September 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910201314/http://em.gmnews.com/news/2010-12-01/Front_Page/Historians_shed_light_on_site_of_1777_battle.html|archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref> This crossroads and surrounding area was the site of the Oak Tree Engagement during the [[Battle of Short Hills]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com/new_jersey_revolutionary_war_sites/towns/edison_nj_revolutionary_war_sites.htm|title=Edison, New Jersey Revolutionary War Sites | Edison Historic Sites|website=www.revolutionarywarnewjersey.com}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=53337|title=The Oak Tree Engagement and the Battle of the Short Hills Historical Marker|website=www.hmdb.org}}</ref> It was a relatively rural area in the early to mid 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abebooks.com/9781434309709/Now-Iselin-Miele-John-1434309703/plp|title=9781434309709: Then and Now of Iselin - AbeBooks - Miele, John: 1434309703|website=www.abebooks.com}}</ref><ref>Onder, J. P., Miele, J. T. (2007). Then and Now of Iselin. United States: AuthorHouse.</ref><ref>Onder, J. P., Miele, J. T. (2011). Then and Now of Iselin - Volume 2. United Kingdom: AuthorHouse.</ref> | |||
Oak Tree Road | In the early 1990s, prior to the arrival of significant Indian investment, Oak Tree Road was a down-on-its-luck strip of [[biker bar]]s and abandoned buildings.<ref name="auto3"/> | ||
Some late-1980s-era economic pioneers to the then-rundown strip experienced racism from the locals, which largely subsided by the early 1990s.<ref name="auto4"/> The first [[Navratri]] festival in the state of New Jersey was held in the area in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2012/11/big_business_in_little_india_c.html|title=Big business in Little India: Commerce flourishes in vibrant ethnic neighborhood|first=Peter Genovese | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=November 16, 2012|website=nj}}</ref> | |||
As Indian businesses began arriving in the 1990s en masse, the area transformed over time into the "thriving market full of pedestrian traffic on weekends" seen today.<ref name="auto4"/> | |||
By 2022, the Indian population was approaching one-third of the population of [[Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]] in southern [[Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County]], and the nickname ''Edison-South'' had developed, in reference to the [[Little India]] stature of both [[Township (New Jersey)|townships]] in Middlesex County.<ref>[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j2t2feSY-iw] Accessed May 25, 2022.</ref> | |||
==Festivals and events== | |||
[[File:Ganesha Basohli miniature circa 1730 Dubost p73.jpg|thumb|Depiction of the Hindu god [[Ganesha]]]] | |||
A blend of South Asian religious festivals and cultural events are held in the Little India district in Edison and Iselin, each featuring a [[melting pot]] of visitors and celebrants of all religions and backgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/south-asian-community-outreach-organizing-10th-annual-interfaith-holiday-celebration/|title=South Asian Community Outreach Organizing 10th Annual Interfaith Holiday Celebration|date=December 13, 2021|website=Insider NJ}}</ref> | |||
Events include: | |||
* India Day Parade. The annual New Jersey India Day Parade, hosted by the Indian Business Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidernj.com/indian-business-association-members-go-d-c-ahead-annual-parade-edison/|title=Indian Business Association Members Go to D.C. Ahead of Annual Parade in Edison|date=17 July 2018|website=Insider NJ}}</ref> is held every August on Oak Tree Road to celebrate [[India Day Parade|Indian Independence Day]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsindiatimes.com/anupam-kher-parades-down-oak-tree-road/37272|title=Anupam Kher parades down Oak Tree Road - News India Times|author=Staff Writer|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/13/garden/a-taste-of-india-via-new-jersey.html|title=A Taste of India Via New Jersey|first=Elaine|last=Louie|newspaper=The New York Times|date=13 July 1994|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bonappetit.com/story/dosas-swagath-gourmet|title=The Indian Restaurant I'm Drawn to Like a Magnet|first=|last=|website=Bon Appétit|date=June 6, 2018}}</ref> Celebrants such as Governor [[Phil Murphy]] start in Edison and march eastbound towards Iselin, finishing the parade at India Square in Iselin. | |||
* [[Ganesh Utsav]]. Every year the weeklong festival honoring the [[Hindu]] deity [[Ganesha]] draws thousands of celebrants to nearby [[Woodbridge Mall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/edison/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/thousands-celebrate-ganesh-utsav-at-the-woodbridge-mall|title=Thousands Celebrate Ganesh Utsav At The Woodbridge Mall|website=TAPinto}}</ref> | |||
* [[Diwali]]. Celebrations for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, are held annually on Oak Tree Road and surroundings.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://blog.funnewjersey.com/little-india-in-edison-nj-best-restaurants-and-things-to-do/|title=Little India in Edison NJ: Best Restaurants and Things to Do|date=September 15, 2020}}</ref> | |||
* [[Holi]], the Hindu festival of colors, is also celebrated with the use of color and dancing at events on Oak Tree Road.<ref name="auto"/> | |||
* [[Muslim holidays|Eid]]. Visitors and the [[Desi]] Muslims in the Oak Tree Road area celebrate the Eid religious festivals twice a year with feasts and celebrations: [[Eid al-Fitr]] at the end of [[Ramadan]] and [[Eid al-Adha]] later in the year.<ref name="auto"/> | |||
* [[Christmas]]. The Indian Business Association sponsors a [[Christmas tree]] lighting and celebratory festival with [[Santa Claus]] annually.<ref name="auto4"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/edison/articles/local-business-group-hosts-annual-christmas-spectacular-for-all-residents|title=Local Business Group Hosts Annual Christmas Spectacular For All Residents|website=TAPinto}}</ref> | |||
* [[Navratri]]. A large Navratri festival is held annually in the area, in most recent years at the NJ Expo Center at [[Raritan Center]]. [[Jack Ciattarelli]] attended in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/19/nyregion/in-person-the-festival-man.html|title=IN PERSON; The Festival Man|first=Andrea|last=Kannapell|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 19, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/114283/|title=Pradip "Peter" Kothari Endorses Mahesh Bhagia for Mayor, McCann, Peng, Patel For Council|date=March 3, 2021|website=Insider NJ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hindumonth.org/event/vibrant-navratri-2021-expo-hall-edison-nj/2021-10-16/|title=Vibrant Navratri 2021 @ Expo Hall, Edison, NJ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddegPC8c_NM|title=Vibrant Navratri 2021 Gathers Indian-American Community - Edison Expo Hall - New Jersey|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 28: | Line 60: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
{{Edison, New Jersey}} | {{Edison, New Jersey}} | ||
| Line 42: | Line 73: | ||
[[Category:Neighborhoods in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey]] | [[Category:Neighborhoods in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey]] | ||
[[Category:Neighborhoods in Edison, New Jersey]] | [[Category:Neighborhoods in Edison, New Jersey]] | ||
[[Category:South Asian American culture]] | |||
[[Category:Culture of Indian diaspora|American]] | |||