Seattle came alive with vibrant colors, music, and cultural performances as the city hosted its first-ever India Day Parade last week, marking India’s 79th Independence Day. The grand celebration, organised in partnership with the City of Seattle, featured an ‘India Pavilion’ with over 30 booths representing India’s 28 states and thematic exhibits. Each booth showcased unique One District One Product (ODOP) items, highlighting India’s rich diversity and cultural heritage.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, US Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and several state and city leaders attended the historic event. “Honoured to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day — from raising the Indian flag at the Space Needle for the first time to today’s parade downtown. These moments highlight Seattle’s commitment to inclusion and the deep bonds we share with India and our Indian American community!” Mayor Harrell posted on X.

The inaugural ceremony opened with Vedic prayers, followed by the national anthems of India and the US. In a symbolic moment, India’s tricolour was hoisted atop Seattle’s iconic Space Needle for the first time. A dance mosaic titled Natyam: A Dance Mosaic of Bharat brought together classical and folk traditions from across India, mesmerizing over 2,000 attendees.

Floats and performances representing Indian states showcased the cultural wealth of the diaspora. Highlights included Gujarat’s Garba, Maharashtra’s Lavani, Andhra Pradesh’s Kuchipudi, Odisha’s Boita Bandana, and West Bengal’s tribute to Swami Vivekananda. The event also featured traditional art exhibits, linguistic showcases, and regional cuisines.

Welcoming the new Indian Consulate in Seattle, Mayor Harrell hailed the Indian-American community’s contribution to technology, culture, and diversity. Congressman Adam Smith called India “America’s key partner for peace and security across the globe.”

The India Day Parade marked a milestone in Indo-US cultural ties, celebrating unity in diversity on American soil.