Built by merchants, carried by community
The Jersey City Asian Merchant Association came together to solve everyday quality-of-life issues in the city’s business district — and grew into one of the region’s great cultural celebrations.
From a merchants’ group to IndiaSquare
JCAMA is a group of New Jersey merchants who have been making a difference on Newark Avenue for well over a decade. It began with the day-to-day problems of a busy business district — and a shared belief that this stretch of Jersey City could be the area’s most vibrant business hub.
The group widened its work to scholarships for students, support for one-teacher schools in India, area community colleges and hospitals, and building understanding between the many communities who share the city. Staying strictly non-political, JCAMA also encourages everyone to take part in elections and vote.
Navratri on IndiaSquare started as a cultural idea from JCAMA. With Govinda Sanskar Center, Journal Square Restoration Corporation, the City of Jersey City and the Urban Enterprise Zone of New Jersey, it now welcomes about 100,000 participants and visitors over four nights.
More than a festival
Business district
Tackling everyday quality-of-life issues for the merchants and shoppers of Newark Avenue.
Scholarships
Supporting local students with scholarships for their education.
One-teacher schools
Helping one-teacher schools that bring education to rural India.
Colleges & hospitals
Backing area community colleges and hospitals that serve everyone.
Community understanding
Bringing the many communities of Jersey City closer together.
Get out the vote
Non-political drives encouraging everyone to participate in elections.
Two decades on Newark Avenue
First live webcast of Navratri — 3,500 clicks an hour.
Participants and visitors across four festival nights.
People dancing garba on the street every night.
The 23rd celebration of Navratri on IndiaSquare.
Join the IndiaSquare community.
Volunteer at Navratri, list your business or support the festival.