As the world watched the United States presidential election gets underway, Hindu worshipers in southern India have turned to prayer in hopes of a Kamala Harris victory.
On Monday, devotees in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, gathered to offer prayers and blessings for the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, whose Indian heritage has resonated with many in the region.
Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, has spoken fondly of her Indian roots, often recalling childhood visits to her grandfather in Chennai. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Tamil Nadu before moving to the United States for a doctoral program. Harris has frequently acknowledged how her Indian heritage has shaped her life and career.
“Our Indian as well as Tamil ancestral leader, Kamala Harris, is going to participate in the presidential election. Definitely, she will win the election,” said Ballu, founder of the Hindu group Anushanath’s Anukragni Organisation, during the prayer ceremony in Madurai. His comments were captured in videos shared by Reuters and ANI News.
In the videos, Harris’ image was displayed on banners beside Hindu deities, as priests performed rituals, offering flower petals and prayers for her success.
Harris’ nomination energized many Indian Americans, with national and grassroots organisers from the community citing a wave of enthusiasm after she joined the Democratic ticket. For many in Tamil Nadu, Harris’ candidacy represented a deep connection between their cultural heritage and her historic run for office.
