Kamala Harris’s Ancestral Village in India Holds Prayers for Her Success in U.S. Presidential Election

 

In the small village of Thulasendrapuram, Tamil Nadu, thousands of kilometers from the high-stakes U.S. presidential election, locals gathered at a temple on election day, offering prayers for Kamala Harris’s success. The village, where Harris’s maternal family has roots, was decorated with banners and posters in support of her bid for the presidency.

Villagers assembled at the temple, where a Hindu priest led rituals with incense, chanting prayers for Harris's victory. “Kamala Harris should win,” the priest said as he led the ceremony, blessing attendees with vermilion powder and ash in support of Harris, whom many villagers see as "the daughter of the land."

Thulasendrapuram, situated 350 kilometers from Chennai, proudly displays traces of Harris’s lineage. Her name, along with her grandfather’s, is engraved on a temple stone, honoring her family’s contributions to the temple’s public fund. On election day, local politician Arulmozhi Sudhakar erected a banner, expressing pride and sending well-wishes to Harris on behalf of the village.

Although Harris was born in California to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, she has often spoken fondly of her Indian heritage. Her connections to India, including memories of childhood visits to family near Chennai, have endeared her to Thulasendrapuram residents, who follow her journey with admiration.

As votes are counted, the villagers of Thulasendrapuram remain hopeful, believing their prayers will play a part in Harris’s potential victory.