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India Day Parade: This first India Day Parade held in Seattle was not just a cultural program, but there was an echo of friendship and partnership between India and America.
India Day Parade: To make the 79th year of India’s independence memorable, India Day Parade was organized for the first time in the city of Seattle, USA. This grand parade, organized under the aegis of the Indian Consulate, presented the culture, art and traditions of all 28 states of India alive. The parade was launched by Consul General Prakash Gupta of the Indian Consulate and Bruce Harel, Mayor of Seattle, with which the tricolor balloons flew into the sky and made this historic moment more special.
Culture of culture and traditions
Thousands of Indian-Americans on the roads of Seattle presented a wonderful glimpse of diversity in India’s unity through tableaux and cultural presentations. The parade included Garba of Gujarat, Lavani in Maharashtra, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh, ‘Boeta Bandana’ of Odisha and the message of Swami Vivekananda’s ideals in West Bengal tableau. India Pavilion won the most attractions, where the One District One Product (ODOP) of every state and union territory was displayed at more than 30 stalls. Traditional artifacts, historical objects and various cuisine on these stalls connected visitors to the soul of India.
Honor of American leaders and India’s partnership
Seattle Mayor Bruce Herlel, who was present on the occasion, said that America should learn the message of love, compassion and non -violence from India. He described the Indian-American community as an important partner in the progress and technical excellence of Seattle. US Congress member Adam Smith said in his address that India’s most trusted partner towards peace and security is India. Several dignitaries were present at the ceremony including Seattle Port Commissioner, King County Council Member, Washington Supreme Court Justice and Mayor of several municipalities.
Historical moments and emotional engagement
The program started with the Vedic chanting and the national anthem of Indo-US. After this, the Natyam presented: A Dance Mosaic of India mesmerized the audience with the diversity of Indian classical and folklore. The special attraction was the passionate performance of Beats of Washington, which brought the valor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the stage. A few days before the parade, on 15 August, the Indian tricolor was first hoisted on the famous space needle of Seattle, this was the first time that the flag of a foreign nation waved on this American heritage.
When the art, dance, language and traditions of every state of India came on a platform, this parade became a festival of pride and engagement for the Indian migrants, which really brought alive the soul of diversity in the unity of India.
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