Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat plans Diwali-like celebrations on her return to earth

With prayers on their lips, residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams' ancestral village in Gujarat are waiting for her safe return to earth with bated breath. They have also planned Diwali-like festivities to mark the occasion on Wednesday morning.

Williams is scheduled to return to earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. Jhulasan village in Mehsana district, known as the ancestral home of Williams' father Deepak Pandya, is alive with excitement. Villagers have been praying for her safety, taking care of the 'Akhand Jyot,' the eternal flame that was lit for her safe return soon after she went to space over nine months ago.

According to Williams' cousin, Navin Pandya, a grand procession will be held in her honour, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks to create a festive atmosphere similar to Diwali and Holi. People will carry Williams' photo in the procession.

"The procession with her photo will be taken out from a school to the temple where the 'Akhand Jyot' is kept, with students joining others. We will also perform a prayer chanting at the temple," Pandya said on Tuesday. "The 'Akhand Jyot' will be lit till Wednesday after Williams safely reaches earth," he added.

"The atmosphere here is festive, with everyone eagerly anticipating her return. We will definitely invite her to visit Jhulasan in the future. It would be an honour to have her among us in her ancestral village," Pandya added.

Vishal Panchal, principal of Jhulasan primary school, said elaborate arrangements have been made for the celebration. "Sunita Williams is the daughter of our village. She is a pride of our village, India, and the world," he said. According to Panchal, students of the primary and high schools have been offering prayers for the last 15 days and chanting 'Ram dhun' for her safe return.

Another cousin, Kishor Pandya, said he had met her twice during her visits to Jhulasan village in 2006 and 2013.

Williams, along with astronaut Butch Wilmore, is returning to earth after spending more than nine months at the ISS. Their mission, initially scheduled to last seven days, was extended due to a technical glitch. The two astronauts are returning aboard SpaceX after a dramatic, marathon mission that began with a failed Boeing test flight.