Indian tricolour flies atop Seattle’s iconic Space Needle in historic first | Watch

In a first-of-its-kind celebration, the Indian tricolour was hoisted on Seattle’s iconic Space Needle on India’s 79th Independence Day, marking the first time a foreign nation’s flag has been raised at the landmark.

Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and city leaders joined the ceremony, which highlighted the contributions of the Indian-American diaspora to the Pacific Northwest’s growth as a tech hub.

"No greater honour than this! Raising the Tiranga on top of the Seattle skyline at the Space Needle," Gupta said in a post on X, along with a video of the tricolour flying high atop the iconic Seattle monument with sprawling views of the city below.

#WATCH | United States | The Indian flag was raised on top of the Space Needle today in honour of India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.

Consul General of India in Seattle, along with the Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, and other select dignitaries from Seattle city… pic.twitter.com/7lZYZaN15L

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025

A community reception was later hosted at Kerry Park, where US Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz attended. Smith called the moment a tribute to the region’s diversity and the strong India–Pacific Northwest partnership.

The celebration also featured cultural performances, including national anthems, dance showcases and a recital by actor and artist Piyush Mishra.

In a special gesture, King County and several cities, including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Bellevue, officially proclaimed August 15 as India Day. Iconic Seattle landmarks, including Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, the Westin, the Seattle Great Wheel and the Space Needle, were illuminated in tricolour, while the Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall and the city’s police and fire headquarters.

India opened its sixth consulate in Seattle in November 2023 and has since deepened ties with the Pacific Northwest.