This Indian village is holding 11-day yagna for Kamala Harris's victory in US polls

Residents of Palwancha village in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district are conducting an 11-day yagna to pray for the success of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. The ritual, officially called the “Sri Sri Sri Raja Shyamala Devi Sahitha Shata Chandi Maha Sudarshana Yagna,” is organized by the Shyamala Gopalan Foundation, named in honor of Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The foundation aims to celebrate her legacy and engage in spiritual practices that promote success, with the yagna specifically intended to invoke blessings for Harris as she seeks to become the first female president of the United States.

As of November 5, 2024, the yagna has reached its 10th day. The ceremony is being led by over 40 Vedic and Chaturveda pandits, who perform daily rituals and chants at H Convention in Palwancha. The event has drawn significant local participation, with around 7,000 attendees expected by its conclusion. Organizers are providing daily meals to between 500 to 1,000 participants, reinforcing a sense of community involvement and support. Nalla Suresh Reddy, founder of the Shyamala Gopalan Educational Foundation, explained that the Shata Chandi Maha Sudarshana Yagna is traditionally performed to remove obstacles and attract success, prosperity, and positive energy.

In addition to the yagna in Palwancha, special prayers are being held in Harris’s ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram, located in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvarur district. This village is significant as it is the birthplace of Harris's maternal grandfather, PV Gopalan, who served as a prominent Indian civil servant. The Shri Dharmasastha temple in Thulasendrapuram prominently includes Harris among its benefactors, showcasing the village's historical and cultural connection to her family. Local villagers have expressed pride in Harris's achievements and the connection of their community to her political journey.

Kamala Harris was nominated as the Democratic candidate for president after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, citing concerns regarding his age and performance in debates. Harris has made history as the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American Vice President, a milestone that has garnered significant attention and support both domestically and internationally. Her campaign focuses on several key issues, including women's rights, immigration reform, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

The yagna will culminate today with the performance of the “Purnahuti,” the final offering that marks the completion of the ritual. This concluding ceremony signifies the fulfillment of the prayers and the hopes of those participating. The event not only highlights the cultural and spiritual traditions of the local community but also underscores the engagement of Harris's supporters in promoting her political aspirations through collective religious observance.