The local Indian community came together in Parsippany on Saturday for an annual Independence Day celebration, which carried extra meaning this year, both as India’s 80th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule and America’s 250th birthday.

The event, organized by the New Jersey Indian American Association, saw hundreds of folks come out, including Parsippany's Mayor Pulkit Desai, the town’s first Indian mayor.

“It feels absolutely fantastic. I’m getting goosebumps here right now,” Desai said. “But we wanted to do both America 250 and India’s 80th because we are here. We are part of the fabric of this country, and we should celebrate both cultures.”

The celebration opened first with a diya lighting ceremony, the singing of the United States National Anthem, and then the raising of the Indian flag alongside the American flag. The day continued with singing, dancing, food and dozens of vendors showcasing Indian culture.

“It’s a perfect day. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with all Indians here,” said Rakesh Desai, of Parsippany. “Even though we are far from India, it looks like we are in India.”

Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell also stopped by the celebration.

For many folks we spoke to, the day was more than a display of cultural pride but also a chance to honor their two homes.

“This is a place which has given us an opportunity,” said Dr. Manish Shashi, of Morris Plains. “It’s really good to see this type of celebration happening far away from our homeland, and in a place which we call our homeland now.”