GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – After immigrating from India about 60 years ago, Surendra and Neelima Jain are celebrating Indian Independence Day here in Greenville.

The Jains say that when they arrived in Greenville, there was no one who spoke their language and that they had to overcome some challenges.

“The biggest challenge for me was that we couldn’t get Indian food. There were no Indian restaurants. I couldn’t cook. We had to get our food from New York and then gradually more Indians moved in,” said Neelima Jain.

India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Today, many gather on India Day to showcase Indian culture through a parade, live performances, food, and more.

The India Association of Greenville (IAG) hosts this celebration of Indian independence every year in downtown Greenville.

“India is a diverse country with many different religions and dialects. That’s why we want to bring to this community the things that make India so special,” says Rohit Kale, director of India Day.

Kale also added that India Day is about unity. Today, Mayor Knox White joined the IAG in a flag hoisting ceremony and sang the national anthems of both countries.

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