Seattle, (IANS): In a remarkable display of culture, heritage, and diplomacy, the first-ever India Day Parade held in Downtown Seattle last week brought together thousands to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day. The event marked a significant milestone in the growing cultural and strategic relationship between India and the United States, with prominent local and federal dignitaries praising the deep ties between the two democracies.

At the heart of the celebration was a vibrant India Pavilion, which featured over 30 intricately curated booths representing each of India’s 28 states and several Union Territories. Each booth was dedicated to showcasing unique One District One Product (ODOP) items—products selected to highlight the distinctive culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of specific Indian districts. Accompanied by informative exhibits, these items told a story of India’s rich history, diversity, and economic innovation.

The ODOP initiative, a flagship program under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for balanced regional development, was spotlighted throughout the event. Its presence underscored India’s push toward equitable economic growth and global branding of Indian products, while fostering international awareness and appreciation.

Prominent Guests Celebrate Indo-American Unity

The parade and surrounding festivities drew the participation of several high-ranking U.S. officials and community leaders, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, Seattle Parks and Recreation Director A.P. Diaz, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Rear Admiral Arex Avanni of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northwest District, Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez, and the mayors of Mercer Island, Normandy Park, Sammamish, and North Bend.

Taking to social media after the event, Mayor Harrell expressed his admiration for the Indian-American community and its contribution to the city:

“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!” he posted on X.

During his address to the crowd of over 2,000 attendees, Harrell hailed the newly opened Indian Consulate in Seattle as a “landmark development,” emphasizing the city’s recognition of Indian-Americans as integral to its diversity and technological innovation. He reflected on how the United States could learn from India’s long-standing values of “love, compassion, and non-violence.”

U.S. Congressman Adam Smith echoed the sentiment, calling India “a vital partner” in maintaining global peace and stability. “The United States has no better partner in working toward global peace and security than India,” he said, reinforcing the shared democratic values and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Parade Showcases India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’

The India Day Parade itself was a spectacular celebration of India’s cultural mosaic. In true Indian fashion, the event showcased a magnificent array of regional traditions, languages, and art forms. Each float and cultural performance was coordinated by Indian-American community groups, led by local leaders, and designed to reflect the traditions of their respective regions.

The Washington Telangana Association (WATA) served as the lead community partner for the event. Highlights from the parade included: Gujarat’s energetic Garba dance; Maharashtra’s dynamic Lavani folk performances; Andhra Pradesh’s elegant Kuchipudi dance; Odisha’s traditional Boita Bandana ceremony paired with the anthem Vande Utkal Janani and West Bengal’s float paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s universal values

Complementing these regional displays were thematic segments celebrating India’s intellectual and artistic heritage. One highlight was Natyam: A Dance Mosaic of Bharat, a choreographed cultural performance that took the audience on a journey through India’s classical and folk dance traditions. A youth-led art exhibit showcased traditional Indian painting styles created by second-generation Indian-Americans. Another segment, Gurukul, focused on India’s linguistic diversity, with participants presenting greetings and songs in multiple Indian languages.

Adding historical depth, the Beats of Washington group performed a rousing tribute to the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

A Historic First for Seattle and the Indian Tricolour

In a moment of symbolic importance, India’s national flag was raised for the first time atop Seattle’s iconic Space Needle. The tricolour waving against the Seattle skyline was a poignant image of pride for Indian-Americans and a testament to India’s growing global recognition.

The event commenced with a traditional Vedic invocation, followed by the hoisting of the Indian flag and the singing of the national anthems of both India and the United States. The ceremonial flag-off of the parade by Consul General Prakash Gupta, Mayor Harrell, and other dignitaries was marked by the release of saffron, white, and green balloons—mirroring the colors of the Indian flag.

Celebrating Heritage Through Cuisine and Culture

Visitors also had the opportunity to indulge in India’s culinary richness. Regional food stalls offered traditional dishes, giving attendees a literal taste of India's diverse cuisine. Meanwhile, handicrafts and cultural artifacts were on display, allowing attendees to engage with India’s artisanal heritage up close.

The event was co-hosted in partnership with the City of Seattle and coordinated by several local Indian-American organizations, whose tireless efforts brought the ambitious vision of the India Day Parade to life.

As the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle India Day Parade not only commemorated India’s 79th year of independence but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship between the world’s two largest democracies.