NEW YORK/SEATTLE: The Indian tricolour was hoisted atop Seattle’s iconic 605-foot Space Needle on India’s 79th Independence Day — marking the first time a foreign nation’s flag has flown at the landmark.
Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, joined Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other city leaders for the historic occasion.
“No greater honour than this! Raising the Tiranga on top of Seattle’s skyline at the Space Needle,” Gupta wrote on X, sharing a video of the flag fluttering high above the city.
Calling it a “historic first,” the Consulate General of India in Seattle said the event highlighted the contributions of the Indian-American community in shaping the city’s growth as a tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest.
Later, the Consulate hosted a community reception at Kerry Park, with the tricolour on the Space Needle forming a dramatic backdrop. Large crowds from the Indian-American diaspora gathered to witness the moment.
Among the dignitaries present were US Congressman Adam Smith, Washington State Chief Justice Debra Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and Seattle Parks and Recreation Director AP Diaz. Smith called the flag-raising a tribute to the region’s diversity and the strong bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest.
In a special gesture, King County — encompassing 39 cities including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue — issued proclamations designating August 15 as India Day.
Iconic Seattle landmarks including Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, the Westin, Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle were illuminated in the tricolour. The Indian flag also flew over the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and the headquarters of Tacoma’s Police and Fire Departments.
Festivities featured national anthems, vibrant dance performances, and a poetic recital by acclaimed artist and actor Piyush Mishra, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
