Indian tricolour hoisted atop Seattles iconic Space Needle in historic first

The Indian tricolour was hoisted at Seattle’s iconic 605-feet-tall Space Needle on India’s 79th Independence Day, the primary time {that a} overseas nation’s flag was raised on the fashionable American vacation spot.

Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta together with Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell and different choose dignitaries from the Seattle metropolis management joined the historic and landmark event.

“No greater honour than this ! Raising the Tiranga on top of Seattle skyline at Space Needle,” Mr. Gupta stated in a put up on X, together with a video of the tricolour flying excessive atop the long-lasting Seattle monument with sprawling views of the town under.

Calling the commemoration a “historic first in Seattle”, the Consulate General of India in Seattle stated the celebration underscored the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora in shaping the town’s journey as a tech hub within the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Later, a neighborhood reception was hosted by the Consulate on the scenic Kerry Park, with India’s flag on prime of the Space Needle within the backdrop.

A lot of Indian-American neighborhood members turned as much as witness the historic sight, the Consulate stated in a press launch.

The reception was attended by a number of dignitaries together with US Congressman Adam Smith, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and Superintendent/Director of Seattle Parks and Recreation AP Diaz.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Smith welcomed the historic celebration, noting that the Indian tricolour’s hoisting atop the Space Needle is a tribute to the area’s variety and the robust bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest.

The Space Needle, which was inbuilt 1962, stands as an emblem of Seattle’s skyline and epitomises the U.S. Pacific Northwest area’s tech-driven future.

In a particular gesture to honour India’s Independence Day within the Greater Seattle space, King County, which covers 39 cities, together with Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue, issued official proclamations marking August 15 as India Day.

Separately, a number of iconic buildings throughout Seattle have been additionally lit up within the Indian tricolours. These included the Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, Westin, Seattle Great Wheel and Space Needle.

The Indian flag was additionally hoisted on the prestigious Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall and on the Headquarters of Tacoma Police and Fire Departments, the Consulate stated.

A vibrant cultural extravaganza that includes nationwide anthems, together with dance performances showcasing the wealthy variety of Indian artwork types in addition to a poetic recital by famend artist and actor Piyush Mishra additionally enthralled these attending the particular celebrations.