Day 345: Little India, Edison, New Jersey

📌 APIA Every Day (345) - Edison, New Jersey, located in Middlesex County, is a suburban township known for its cultural diversity and thriving immigrant communities. One of its most distinctive areas is the stretch along Oak Tree Road, shared by Edison and neighboring Iselin, which has become famously known as “Little India.” This vibrant commercial and cultural corridor is lined with South Asian grocery stores, restaurants, jewelry shops, and cultural centers, serving as both a hub for the Indian diaspora and a destination for visitors across the East Coast. Oak Tree Road not only offers the sights, sounds, and flavors of South Asia but also serves as a vital space for cultural expression, religious festivals, and community gatherings.

South Asian immigration to Edison accelerated in the late 20th century, particularly after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which removed national origin quotas and opened pathways for skilled professionals from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. As more South Asian immigrants settled in the area, especially during the Information Technology boom of the 1990s and early 2000s, Edison became a preferred destination due to its suburban appeal, strong school systems, and proximity to New York City. Over time, a strong ethnic enclave emerged, with families establishing homes, religious institutions like Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, and small businesses. The area developed into a cultural landmark, reflective of the broader story of South Asian American identity, migration, and community-building.

While there are no ongoing efforts to preserve the cultural district of Oak Tree Road in Edison, how can we understand growing ethnoburbs like Edison to be an increasingly integral part of the American landscape and historical narrative?

Written by Billy Zeng

LEARN MORE:

Eastside Online: Edison provides a hub of South Asian culture

PBS: Destination Oak Tree Road

NY Times: Edison, N.J.: A Diverse Suburb in a Convenient Location

Washington Street Journal: ‘Little India’ Thrives in Central New Jersey

#apiaeveryday #littleindia #edison #newjersey #southasian #oaktree #southasianbusinesses #1965immigrationandnationalityact #hindutemples #ethnicneighborhood