Edison Desi News — September 6, 2026
Edison's Diwali Festival Returns to Papaianni Park on November 7
Edison Township's annual Diwali festival is returning to Papaianni Park on Saturday, November 7, from 5 to 9 p.m., with a rain date set for November 14. Township officials have described it as Edison's largest cultural celebration, drawing more than 10,000 attendees for an evening of lights, food, music, and family programming. The Recreation Department is now accepting applications from food vendors, food trucks, and non-food vendors. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with a deadline of Monday, October 26. Vendor fees range from $250 for a 10-by-10-foot grass space for non-profit organizations to $1,000 for a 10-by-16-foot parking lot space with a wooden hut. No water hookups or electricity are provided; vendors must bring their own equipment, including tables, chairs, canopies, and generators, and must submit permit applications through the Edison Health Department and Fire Department. All fees must be paid in full before applications are approved. Edison has long been one of the most significant South Asian population centers on the East Coast, and the annual Diwali celebration has grown into one of its signature community events. Applications and fee payment links are available through the township's recreation portal. [1]
Indian Father Drowns While Paddleboarding at Lake Hopatcong During Family Picnic
An Indian father drowned while paddleboarding at Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey during a family picnic, according to a report from the Times of India. The incident took place in an area of the lake not supervised by lifeguards. The man was on the water with family members when he went under and could not be rescued in time. Lake Hopatcong is located in Morris County, roughly an hour west of Edison, and is among New Jersey's most popular summertime recreation destinations. Authorities responded to the scene, but the man did not survive. His identity and the full circumstances of the accident were not disclosed in initial published reports. No foul play was suspected. The incident is a reminder of water safety risks at recreational lakes, particularly outside lifeguard-supervised areas. New Jersey officials and lake authorities regularly advise swimmers and paddlers to stay within designated, monitored zones. Our condolences go to his family and loved ones. [3]
New Jersey Monthly Profiles Edison's Approximately 50 Indian Restaurants
New Jersey Monthly has published a guide to exploring Edison's approximately 50 Indian restaurants, documenting the breadth of South Asian cuisine available in the township. Edison has for decades served as one of the Northeast's primary Indian American hubs, with Oak Tree Road at its center — a corridor lined with sari shops, sweet stores, grocery markets, and restaurants that draw customers from across the region. The guide covers options spanning North Indian classics, South Indian dosas and idlis, Gujarati vegetarian thalis, street chaat, and Indo-Chinese fusion, reflecting the diversity within the South Asian community that has made Middlesex County its home. For longtime residents, the guide may surface newer additions to a dining landscape that continues to evolve; for those new to the area or visiting for the first time, it offers an accessible starting point for navigating one of the most concentrated stretches of Indian dining in the country. The full guide is available at njmonthly.com. [4]
House of Bombay Opens at the Former Menlo Park Diner Site on Route 1
The former Menlo Park Diner on Route 1 in Edison — a local institution that first opened in 1960 and operated 24 hours a day for roughly three decades before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its schedule — has been replaced by House of Bombay, a new Indian restaurant serving Bombay-inspired cuisine. The diner listed for $4 million in January 2023 before closing permanently after a kitchen fire in October of that year. House of Bombay is owned by husband-and-wife team Nishiket and Shizani Parikh. Nishiket Parikh operates multiple restaurants in Mumbai, and the Edison location marks the couple's first business venture in New Jersey. The 14-seat restaurant features a completely remodeled interior, though the owners say they intend to carry forward the hospitality culture the diner was known for while introducing elevated Indian food. House of Bombay opened with dinner service from 5 to 11 p.m. and weekend brunch, with lunch service planned for a later date. More information is available at houseofbombay.us. [5]
Sources: [1] Patch · [3] The Times of India · [4] New Jersey Monthly Magazine · [5] NJ.com