Residents of astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village, Jhulasan in Gujarat, erupted in celebration as she safely returned from a nine-month mission at the International Space Station (ISS). The villagers marked the occasion with firecrackers, sweets, prayers, and Garba performances.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel congratulated Williams, calling her a "shining example" of India's heritage and aspirations.

The locals had organized a 'yagna' and lit an 'Akhand Jyot' praying for her safe return. As soon as the SpaceX capsule carrying Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore splashed down near Florida, villagers chanted "Har Har Mahadev" and carried out a joyous procession to the temple of goddess Dola Mata. School students took part enthusiastically, inspired by Williams’ achievements. Her cousin Navin Pandya shared that the community eagerly awaits her visit. The village had been abuzz with excitement ever since news of her return surfaced, proving their deep-rooted connection and pride in their "daughter of the soil."