Seattle recently witnessed a vibrant celebration of India’s 79th Independence Day through the first-ever India Day parade organized by the Consulate General of India in the city.
Held on Saturday, the parade highlighted the rich cultural diversity of India, showcasing cultural dance performances from all 28 states, along with an India Pavilion that featured One District One Product (ODOP) items from various state and union territories.
The event commenced with a ceremonial flag-off by Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, alongside Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and other dignitaries, as tricolour balloons were released into the sky, marking the beginning of this grand celebration.
According to the Indian Consulate in Seattle, the ‘India Pavilion’ attracted significant attention, presenting over 30 booths that represented different Indian states and included thematic exhibits.
Each booth not only showcased unique ODOP items but also provided descriptions of their cultural and historical significance, allowing attendees to sample regional culinary specialities and explore cultural artefacts.
Speaking to a gathering of over 2,000 attendees, Mayor Harrell emphasized that the United States could draw valuable lessons from India’s messages of love, compassion, and non-violence.
Recognizing Seattle’s status as a diverse city of technological innovation, Harrell acknowledged the integral contributions of Indian-Americans to the city’s development and welcomed the opening of the Indian Consulate in Seattle as a significant milestone.
US Congressman Adam Smith, addressing the crowd, underscored the paramount importance of peace and security worldwide, asserting that the United States enjoys a crucial partnership with India in achieving these goals.
The parade featured participation from thousands of Indian-Americans, who represented their native regions through floats and performances that celebrated the rich tapestry of Indian culture, languages, and art forms, embodying the true spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity.’
Community groups, led by prominent Indian-American leaders, coordinated each tableau and performance.
The Washington Telangana Association led the community aspects of the event, with highlights including Gujarat’s vibrant Garba, Maharashtra’s traditional Lavani dance, Andhra Pradesh’s elegant Kuchipudi, Odisha’s Boita Bandana with Vande Utkala Janani, and a float from West Bengal celebrating the values of Swami Vivekananda.
The performances also featured thematic presentations such as Indian Heritage Arts, displaying traditional paintings by young Indian-Americans, and Gurukul, which celebrated India’s linguistic diversity.
An energetic performance by Beats of Washington, depicting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji, captivated the audience, further enriching the event’s cultural landscape.
The ceremony commenced with a Vedic prayer invocation, followed by flag hoisting and the national anthems of India and the United States, setting a respectful and celebratory tone for the festivities.
A captivating cultural performance titled Natyam: A Dance Mosaic of Bharat further showcased India’s diverse dance traditions, leaving the audience enthralled.
Several dignitaries attended the event as Guests of Honour, which included Mayor Harrell, Congressman Smith, and other prominent figures from the Seattle area.
In a historic moment, just a week prior to the parade on August 15, the Indian tricolour was hoisted at Seattle’s iconic 605-foot Space Needle for the first time, marking a significant tribute to India’s Independence Day.
image source from：deccanchronicle
