Seattle: The Indian tricolour was hoisted at Seattle’s iconic 605 feet tall Space Needle on India’s 79th Independence Day, marking the first time a foreign nation’s flag was raised at the popular American landmark.
The historic occasion was led by India’s Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, along with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other dignitaries from the city’s leadership.
“No greater honour than this! Raising the Tiranga on top of the Seattle skyline at the Space Needle,” Gupta posted on X, sharing a video of the Indian flag flying high above the city’s skyline.
Describing it as a “historic first in Seattle,” the Consulate General of India said the celebration highlighted the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora in shaping the city’s growth as a major tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.
Following the flag hoisting, the Consulate hosted a community reception at the scenic Kerry Park, where the tricolour atop the Space Needle provided a symbolic backdrop. A large number of Indian-Americans gathered to witness the event, the Consulate noted in a release.
Several dignitaries attended the reception, including US Congressman Adam Smith, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent AP Diaz. Smith hailed the event as a tribute to the region’s diversity and the strong ties between India and the Pacific Northwest.
In a special gesture to mark India’s Independence Day, King County, which includes 39 cities including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue, issued proclamations declaring August 15 as India Day.
Several iconic Seattle landmarks were also illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag, including the Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, the Westin, Seattle Great Wheel and the Space Needle itself. In addition, the Indian tricolour was hoisted at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall and at the headquarters of the Tacoma Police and Fire Departments.
The day’s celebrations also featured a vibrant cultural programme with national anthems, dance performances representing India’s diverse art forms, and a poetic recital by acclaimed artist and actor Piyush Mishra, which enthralled the audience.
With PTI Inputs