The first India Day parade in Seattle showcases all 28 states of India
According to a press release issued by the consulate, the parade showcased the rich cultural diversity of all states of India, including their cultural dance performances, along with an India Pavilion that put-on display ODOP (One District One Product) of each state and union territory of India.
The inaugural ceremony began with a prayer invocation from the Vedas, followed by flag hoisting of India and national anthems of India and the United States.
Addressing the gathering of over 2000 attendees, Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harell welcomed the opening of the Indian Consulate in Seattle as a landmark development and noted that Seattle was diverse and a city of technological repute because of the contributions of Indian Americans and that Seattle City was honoured to co-host the first-ever India Day Parade. He added that USA needs to learn India's message of love, compassion and non-violence.
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U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, in his address, emphasized that peace and security across the globe are of paramount importance, noting that the United States has no better partner in working towards those goals than India.
'In the true Indian spirit of Unity in Diversity, thousands of Indian-Americans from across all States of India took part in the parade through floats and performances that showcased their region's unique culture, languages, and art forms.
Each float and performance was coordinated by community groups led by prominent Indian-American community leaders,' said the Indian consulate.
While WATA (Washington Telangana Association) was the community lead, some highlights included Gujarat's vibrant Garba, Maharashtra's spirited Lavani folk dance, Andhra Pradesh's graceful Kuchipudi, Odisha's Boita Bandana with Vande Utkala Janani, and West Bengal's float depicting the values of Swami Vivekananda. Alongside the States and regional representations, thematic performances added further depth—such as Indian Heritage Arts, which displayed traditional paintings created by young Indian-Americans, and Gurukul, which celebrated India's vast linguistic diversity, and an energetic performance by Beats of Washington depicting the valour and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji among many others.
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