India was showcased as the 'Theme Country' at the 27th New Year Celebration of Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) at Tacoma Dome in US city of Washington DC.

The Indian Consulate in Seattle said on X: "Thank APCC President Patsy Surh O’Connell and APCC Executive Director Lua Pritchard for bestowing this honour."

"Also thank Lieutenant Governor of Washington Hon’ble Denny Heck, US Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, US Congresswoman Emily Randall and nearly 50 elected officials for joining in the celebrations," the post further said.

"The celebration began with a traditional Indian prayer invocation and was attended by approximately fifty elected leaders from across the State of Washington, including U.S. Congress Representatives Marilyn Strickland and Emily Randall, Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, as well as numerous state legislators and senators," the Consulate said in a separate statement.

The Consul General of India in Seattle felicitated each of the elected officials with Indian tri-colour stolls.

"Video messages from Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, and US Senator Maria Cantwell and US Congresswoman Pramila Jaypal were also read out at the inaugural ceremony," the statement said.

Indian Dance Performances

India, as theme country celebrations featured a curated selection of traditional Indian dance performances from several different states of India, including Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Bhangra, Garba, Odissi, and Silambam, the Tamil Martial Art dance.

It also showcased a photo – exhibit “India through Tim’s Eyes”, featuring leading Indian iconic tourist sites, that were photographed by Tim Durkan, a Seattle-based photographer during his recent visit to India.

What Is APCC?

Founded in 1996, APCC has been representing nearly 47 different countries and cultures of Asia and Pacific, and organising a wide range of programs and activities to promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding of the history, art, culture, and heritage of the Asia Pacific community in Washington State.

This was for the first time (in its nearly two decades plus of operations in Washington State) that APCC showcased INDIA as the Theme Country.