SEATTLE, Aug 16: — The Indian tricolour was hoisted atop the Space Needle on Friday as part of India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, the first time the flag has been raised at Seattle’s most iconic landmark, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said.
The Space Needle, built in 1962 for the World Fair, dominates the city’s skyline and stands as a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s technology-driven growth. Against that backdrop, Indian Consul General in Seattle Prakash Gupta and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell led the flag-raising ceremony, calling it a historic moment for both India and the Indian-American community.
“This is not just a celebration of India’s independence but also a recognition of the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora in shaping Seattle’s journey as a global technology hub,” Gupta noted. Harrell echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the deep cultural and economic ties between India and the city.
A large number of Indian-Americans gathered to witness the unprecedented sight. The Consulate later hosted a reception at Kerry Park, with the Indian flag fluttering atop the Space Needle visible in the background, alongside sweeping views of the city skyline.
The event drew prominent dignitaries including U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens, and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho. Addressing the gathering, Smith said the flag atop the Space Needle was a tribute to the region’s diversity and “a reflection of the strong bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest.”
The celebrations featured a cultural program with national anthems, traditional and contemporary Indian dance performances, and a poetic recital by noted actor and artist Piyush Mishra.
In a parallel gesture of solidarity, King County — which encompasses 39 cities in the Seattle metropolitan area — issued proclamations officially designating August 15 as India Day. Across the city, several landmarks were illuminated in the Indian tricolour, including the Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, the Westin hotel, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle itself.
The Consulate added that the Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and at the headquarters of Tacoma Police and Fire Departments, extending the visibility of the celebration beyond Seattle.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle, which opened in November 2023, described the flag-raising as a landmark in the city’s cultural calendar, symbolizing the growing visibility of India’s presence in the Pacific Northwest.
