Seattle [US], August 16 (ANI): In a historic first for Seattle, the Indian flag was raised atop the city’s iconic Space Needle on Friday to mark India’s 79th Independence Day.
The Space Needle, built in 1962 for the World Fair, stands as a symbol of Seattle’s skyline and the tech-driven spirit of the Pacific Northwest. The Consulate General of India in Seattle said the event honored the contributions of the Indian American community in shaping the city’s growth as a major technology hub.
The ceremony was attended by India’s Consul General in Seattle, along with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city leaders. A community reception was later hosted at Kerry Park, which offered sweeping views of the Seattle skyline with the Indian Tricolour flying high above the Space Needle.
Large numbers of Indian Americans gathered to witness the occasion, while several US dignitaries joined the celebrations. Among them were Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9th District), Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra L. Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and AP Diaz, Superintendent and Director of Seattle Parks & Recreation.
Addressing the gathering, Rep. Smith praised the moment as a tribute to diversity and the enduring ties between India and the Pacific Northwest.
The festivities featured national anthems, traditional dance performances showcasing India’s cultural diversity, and a poetic recital by acclaimed actor and artist Piyush Mishra.
In a special gesture, King County, along with Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue, issued proclamations designating August 15 as “India Day.”
Separately, several landmarks across Seattle were illuminated in the Indian tricolour, including Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, the Westin, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle. The Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and at the headquarters of Tacoma’s Police and Fire Departments.
India opened its sixth consulate in Seattle in November 2023 and has since deepened its engagement with the Pacific Northwest region, the Consulate noted.
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