For the first time in its history, Seattle’s Space Needle—a 605-foot spire that has defined the city’s skyline since the 1962 World’s Fair—flew the Indian tricolour on Friday, marking India’s 79th Independence Day.
The flag, raised against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest’s summer sky, symbolized not only India’s national pride but also the growing presence and influence of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
A Ceremony of Symbolism
The hoisting was led by Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, alongside Mayor Bruce Harrell. Hundreds of Indian Americans gathered at nearby Kerry Park, joined by U.S. dignitaries including Congressman Adam Smith, Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens, and local officials.
“This moment is a tribute to the diversity of the Pacific Northwest and to the enduring friendship between our two nations,” Congressman Smith told the crowd.
A City in Tricolour
The celebrations extended beyond the Space Needle. Landmarks across Seattle—including Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Tacoma Dome—were illuminated in saffron, white, and green. Cultural performances followed: traditional dances, recitations, and the national anthems of both India and the United States. Actor and poet Piyush Mishra delivered a special recital, blending artistry with patriotism.
Recognition Beyond Ceremony
In a formal gesture, King County, which encompasses 39 cities including Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue, issued a proclamation designating August 15 as “India Day.” The announcement underscored the political and cultural significance of the occasion for a community long seen as central to the region’s economic and technological landscape.
A New Chapter in Diaspora Identity
The Space Needle has rarely been draped in the symbols of other nations. Friday’s event was therefore not just ceremonial—it was historic. For Indian Americans in Seattle, it marked a moment of recognition, belonging, and the strengthening of Indo-U.S. ties in a city defined by innovation and global exchange.