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The Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA) held its annual World Gujarati Conference (Chaalo Gujarat) from Friday, August 29th through Sunday, August 31st, 2008 at the Raritan Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey. AIANA’s goal for the World Gujarati Conference is to establish a unity between the Gujarati-speaking communities in America. Thousands of Indians from all over the United States attend the conference each year. Cultural activities, performances, and information sessions are held at the event.

Swamibapa Pipe Band was invited to play at this year’s conference, as they were invited to the previous two conferences in 2006 and 2007. Many members of the temple also attended the conference to support the pipe band. This was the first time Swamibapa Pipe Band played at the conference in their new Scottish uniforms. A Scottish-Indian pipe band is something truly unique in the Gujarati community of America, and all the attendees were impressed by the band’s performance and their exposition of culture-blending.