Annual Pakistan Day Parade Scheduled For Aug. 18 In Edison

EDISON, NJ — The NJ Pakistan Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 18 in Edison. This year, the parade will be returning to Oak Tree Road where there will be pre-parade festivities including flag-raising, speeches from elected officials/dignitaries, free halwa puri, and more.

The parade will begin in Woodbridge making its way to 99 Wood Ave., Edison where there will be a "mela" or festival to end the celebrations.

The Pakistan Day Parade first began in 2015. The initial aim was to ensure that Pakistani youth retain their connection with their roots through fashion, cuisine, dialect, traditions, entertainment, culture, folklore, and more.

Over the years, the parade branched off to include youth groups like Rutgers & NJIT PSA groups.By being involved, the youth demographic aims to be heard and seen, according to the organizers.

"This parade is one we pride ourselves on being inclusive to all communities to come and enjoy with us, not just those who are Pakistani," the organizers said.

The event will also include food vendors who will serve an enticing array of Pakistani sweets and delicacies, like falooda, samosas, biryani and chai.

Additionally, vendors will be showcasing clothing and jewelry from different regions of Pakistan.

For younger attendees, there will be a magic show, face painting, kiddie rides, kite flying, and balloons.

Here's the timing and events for the day:

• 10 a.m: Pre-Parade Cultural Programs
• 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Free halwa puri (traditional breakfast) - first come first serve
• 1 p.m.- 2 p.m.: Press Conference, flag hoisting, speeches
• 2 p.m.: Parade begins from Middlesex Avenue, Oak Tree Road, Iselin. With dhol groups, floats from local businesses, and all who wish to partake.
• 4 -8 p.m.: Cultural program