US Presidential Elections 2024: Telangana’s 11-Day Yagam for Kamala Harris’ Victory
As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election campaign nears its climax, with voting scheduled for November 5, a unique show of support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has taken place in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India. Led by the Shyamala Gopalan Educational Foundation, an 11-day “yagam” ritual has been performed by several Vedic pundits to pray for Harris’s victory. Organizers and participants alike believe the yagam could positively influence Harris’s chances of winning the election.
The Sri Raja Shyamalamba Sahita Shata Chandi Purvaka Sudarshana Maha Yagam
Held at H Convention in Palvancha, Bhadradri Kothagudem, the ritual, named the “Sri Raja Shyamalamba Sahita Shata Chandi Purvaka Sudarshana Maha Yagam,” has gathered 40 Vedic scholars and thousands of supporters. The founder of the Shyamala Gopalan Educational Foundation, Nalla Suresh Reddy, who organized the event, told ANI that this grand Hindu ceremony was designed to invoke blessings for Harris’s success. According to Reddy, the yagam has already led to an increase in local support for Harris, underscoring its intended spiritual impact.
Kamala Harris’s Indian Heritage and Support Base
Kamala Harris has deep-rooted ties to India through her late mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, who emigrated to the United States before marrying Harris’s father, a Jamaican. Harris’s connection to her mother’s heritage has resonated with many Indians, and her supporters in Telangana view her potential presidency as a source of pride.
With Harris as the Democratic candidate following President Joe Biden’s decision to step back from the race, her campaign emphasizes crucial issues, including support for abortion rights, pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and economic reforms. Harris’s heritage, along with her progressive platform, has contributed to growing support from Indian communities.
Increased Support Through Spiritual Practices
The yagam culminates in a significant “Purnahuti,” or closing ritual, which organizers believe will channel divine support for Harris. According to Reddy, about 7,000 attendees are expected for the final day, underscoring the substantial following this event has garnered. Each day of the yagam, between 500 and 1,000 participants have been served meals as part of the ritual.
Reddy expressed optimism about Harris’s success, asserting, “We are praying for Kamala Harris’s victory by keeping our faith strong.” This religious act highlights the connection between cultural beliefs and political support in India, where religious practices often extend beyond personal spirituality to encompass aspirations for global events.
Harris’s Journey as a Historic Candidate
Kamala Harris is celebrated as the first female, Black, and Asian American U.S. Vice President. Should she win, she will not only make history as the first woman to hold the presidential office but also as a symbol of diversity and progress in American politics. Harris’s education at Howard University, a historically Black college, and her advocacy for equality have made her a role model, attracting a broad base of supporters.
The U.S. Presidential Election has become a close race between Harris and former President Donald Trump, who is campaigning to regain his former position. For many, Harris’s victory would signify a milestone in both American and global politics.
Conclusion: A Cultural and Political Gesture of Support
The 11-day yagam in Telangana reflects a unique form of international support that blends cultural, spiritual, and political sentiments. As the U.S. elections approach, Harris’s supporters in India remain hopeful that this powerful spiritual gesture will contribute to her success, marking an unprecedented form of cross-cultural solidarity in political support.
