In a historic first, the Indian Tricolor was hoisted at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025. The event marked the first time the flag of a foreign nation has flown atop the 605-foot landmark, which is a symbol of Seattle’s skyline and the tech-driven future of the US Pacific Northwest.
The momentous occasion was attended by Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, along with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other local dignitaries. The ceremony was a tribute to the significant contributions of the Indian-American diaspora to the city’s growth as a major technology hub.
Following the flag-hoisting, a community reception was held at Kerry Park, offering a scenic view of the Indian flag flying proudly over the Seattle skyline. The reception saw a large turnout of Indian-American community members and was graced by several U.S. dignitaries, including U.S. Congressman Adam Smith and Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court, Debra L. Stephens.
In a show of solidarity and respect, King County and the cities of Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue issued official proclamations designating August 15 as India Day. Additionally, several prominent buildings in Seattle, including Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and the Westin, were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag.
The celebrations also included a vibrant cultural program with national anthems, traditional dance performances, and a poetic recital by renowned artist Piyush Mishra, further showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India.
