The area is home to the highest concentration of
Indian Americans in the
Western Hemisphere,[2] and is a rapidly growing
Indian New Yorkerethnic enclave within the
New York Metropolitan Area.[1][2] The neighborhood is centered on
Newark Avenue, between
Tonnele Avenue and
JFK Boulevard, and is considered to be part of the larger
Journal Square District. This area has been home to the largest outdoor
Navratri festivities in New Jersey as well as several
Hindutemples.[7] This portion of Newark Avenue is lined with grocery stores including
Patel Brothers and Subzi Mandi Cash & Carry,[8]electronics vendors,
video stores, clothing stores, and restaurants, and is one of the busiest
pedestrian areas of this part of the city, often stopping traffic for hours. According to the
2000 census, there were nearly 13,000 Indians living in this two-block stretch in Jersey City, up from 3,000 in 1980, increasing commensurately between 2000 and 2010.[9] As of the
2010 census, over 27,000 Asian Indians accounted for 10.9% of Jersey City's population,[10] the highest proportion of any major U.S. city. After dark, the businesses light flashing signs and the street crowds continue.
Although India Square continues to represent the heart of Little India in Jersey City, situated between Tonnele Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Little India itself as of 2019 has been expanding further eastward along Newark Avenue, through Jersey City's Little Manila, to
Summit Avenue and the
Five Corners neighborhood.
Artwork
In 2023, a decorative archway sign at the entrance to Indian Square was installed to mark the area.[11] A large white Bengal tiger street mural also adorns the area.[12]
Events and festivals
An annual, color-filled spring
Holifestival has taken place in Jersey City since 1992, centered upon India Square and attracting significant participation and international media attention.[13][14]
^Cruz, Vanessa; Pope, Gennarose; Rambay Fernandez, Adriana; Wright, E. Assata (September 9, 2012). "Tired of the same food?" The Union City Reporter. pp 1, 8, and 11.