Kamala Harris's maternal grandparents were born in Thulasendrapuram, a small town about 300 km from the southern Indian city of Chennai (formerly known as Madras) and 14,000 km from Washington, D.C.
A large banner of Mrs Harris (59) now proudly hangs in the town centre.
Special prayers are being offered to the local god for her success. Mr. Harris and her maternal grandfather are on the list of donors to the village temple, and sweets are being distributed.
Since Joe Biden's withdrawal and Harris' emergence as a strong candidate, the townspeople have been watching the US presidential election closely.
“It's not easy to get to the position she has in the most powerful country in the world,” says Krishnamurthi, a retired bank manager.
“We are very proud of her. There was a time when Indians were ruled by foreigners, but now Indians are leading a strong country.”
There is also a sense of pride, especially among women, who see Mrs. Harris as one of their own, a symbol of what is possible for women everywhere.
“Everyone knows her. Even the children. 'My sister, my mother' – that's what they call her,” says Arulmoji Sudhakar, the village council president.
“We are delighted and happy that she has not forgotten her roots.”
The excitement and spectacle is reminiscent of what it was like when townspeople took to the streets with fireworks, posters and calendars when Mrs. Harris became vice president.
There was a communal festival where hundreds of people enjoyed traditional Southern food. According to one of Harris' relatives, Indian dishes such as sambar and idli are among her favorite foods.
