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JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, October 1, 2006: From September 29 to October 7, a one block area of Newark Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey, will be the center of a huge religious and cultural block party. Navaratri 2006 is scheduled to take place on each of the days from 7 p.m. up to 2 a.m. (rain or shine). It is a street festival that will see singing and dancing performances and worship services. The Navaratri event in Jersey City has taken place since 2002, and this year’s event is free of charge and jointly hosted by the Jersey City Asian Merchant Association (JCAMA) with Govinda Sanskar Center, the Journal Square Restoration Corporation, and Jersey City’s Urban Enterprise Zone. Raj Patel, the president of the JCAMA, one of the founders of the festival in Jersey City, said, “… we have gotten crowds of upwards of 10,000 people per night.” This year’s Navaratri celebration will be graced by the presence of Indian music star Devang Patel, a frequent performer at Navaratri celebration in his home country. He is scheduled to perform on October 6. Also scheduled to appear at this year’s event are U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. Also among the dignitaries excited to be present is City Councilman Steve Lipski, who represents the “Little India” area. “I love doing it every year,” Lipski said. “I have my own kurta, raas garba sticks….I am extremely delighted with the music and atmosphere.” This year’s celebration is also a fundraiser to provide for one-teacher schools in rural India and for medical organizations here in Jersey City.

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