Seattle, Aug 18 (NationPress) In an unprecedented initiative, the 'India Pavilion' at the inaugural 'India Day Parade' held in Downtown Seattle last week, in celebration of the 79th Independence Day, showcased over 30 booths representing the 28 States of India along with various thematic displays. Each booth highlighted unique One District One Product (ODOP) items, complete with descriptions that emphasize their cultural and historical importance.

Numerous esteemed dignitaries attended the event as guests of honour, experiencing the true essence of Indian Unity in Diversity. They also learned about ODOP, which embodies the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote balanced regional development across all districts and enhance 'Brand India' globally.

Among the attendees were Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, US Congressman Adam Smith, and several other prominent figures, including Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. Harrell conveyed on X, 'I am 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 signify Seattle’s dedication to inclusion and the deep ties we cherish with India and our Indian American community.'

The Independence Day festivities, organized in collaboration with the City of Seattle, highlighted the rich cultural diversity of all Indian states, featuring spectacular cultural performances.

The opening ceremony commenced with a prayer from the Vedas, followed by the hoisting of the Indian flag and the national anthems of both India and the United States. A captivating cultural performance, Natyam: A Dance Mosaic of Bharat, dazzled the audience, showcasing India’s diverse dance traditions. Consul General Prakash Gupta, alongside the Mayor and other dignitaries, ceremoniously launched the India Day Parade, releasing tricolor balloons into the sky to mark the commencement of the grand procession.

In a historic moment, India’s tricolor proudly adorned the Seattle skyline as it was raised atop the iconic Space Needle.

Addressing a gathering of over 2000 attendees, Harrell hailed the establishment of the Indian Consulate in Seattle as a 'landmark development', emphasizing that Seattle’s diversity and technological prowess owe much to the contributions of Indian Americans. He stated that the USA must 'embrace India's message of love, compassion, and non-violence.' Congressman Adam Smith reiterated the importance of global peace, asserting that the United States has 'no better partner' in achieving these objectives than India.

In true Indian spirit, thousands of Indian-Americans from various states participated in the parade, showcasing their unique cultures, languages, and artistic expressions through floats and performances, all coordinated by prominent leaders of the Indian-American community.

The Washington Telangana Association (WATA) led the community efforts, featuring highlights like Gujarat’s vibrant Garba, Maharashtra’s spirited Lavani, Andhra Pradesh’s graceful Kuchipudi, and West Bengal’s float illustrating the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

Thematic performances further enriched the event, including traditional artworks created by young Indian-Americans and a celebration of India's linguistic diversity through Gurukul, alongside an energetic portrayal by Beats of Washington that honored the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Dignitaries and attendees also indulged in regional culinary delights and explored cultural artifacts, providing a vibrant insight into India's rich heritage and traditions.