The support for Harris, who invoked her Indian roots at several occasions during the campaign, wasn’t restricted to religious offerings. Residents of the village are also planning to donate food to seek “blessings” for her.

“She is from here and we are proud of her,” RR Jayakumar Vandayar, whose brother is planning to offer food to more than 150 people to seek their blessings for Harris, told Reuters.

India-Kamala-Harris
A poster of Kamala Harris in her ancestral village in India.
Image: REUTERS/Sudarshan Varadhan

Harris’ Indian roots have also worked their charm on the members of Hindu Sena. However, her candidacy for the vice-president has failed to impress them.  “We wish Harris well because of her Indian ancestry, but vice presidents are not as powerful,” Gupta of Hindu Sena said.

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