In a historic milestone, the Indian tricolour was raised at Seattle’s iconic 605-foot Space Needle to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, marking the first time a foreign nation’s flag has been hoisted at the landmark. The Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, joined by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city leaders, attended the momentous event. This highlighted the Indian-American diaspora’s significant role in advancing the Pacific Northwest as a thriving technology hub.
Prakash Gupta took to X, “No greater honour than this! Raising the Tiranga on top of the Seattle skyline at the Space Needle,”. He also shared a video of the tricolour flying high atop the iconic Seattle monument with sprawling views of the city below.
#WATCH | United States | The Indian flag was raised on top of the Space Needle today in honour of India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.
Consul General of India in Seattle, along with the Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, and other select dignitaries from Seattle city… pic.twitter.com/7lZYZaN15L
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A community reception was held at Kerry Park, attended by US Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz. Smith described the event as a celebration of the region’s diversity and the robust India–Pacific Northwest partnership.
In a heartfelt gesture, King County and cities like Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue declared August 15 as India Day. Prominent Seattle landmarks, such as Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, the Westin, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle, glowed in the colours of the Indian flag. Additionally, the Indian flag was hoisted at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and the city’s police and fire headquarters.
The celebrations included a vibrant cultural segment featuring national anthems, a cultural dance performance showcasing the rich diversity of Indian art forms, and a poetic recital by renowned artist and actor Piyush Mishra, according to the Consulate.
