Mehsana,

19 March (HS): Residents of Sunita Williams' native town in Gujarat celebrated

her safe return from orbit aboard a SpaceX spaceship. Firecrackers and prayers were used in

celebrations, and the 'Akhand Jyot' was lit to welcome her back. A magnificent parade is planned to

commemorate her, expressing the village's pride and delight. Residents of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams'

home town in Gujarat's Mehsana district erupted in jubilation Wednesday as a

SpaceX capsule carrying her and her colleague Butch Wilmore safely splashed

down off the Florida coast. Williams'

safe return was widely anticipated in Jhulasan, where people watched the event

live from a nearby shrine. When the news

broke, the village welcomed her back with firecrackers, dancing, and cries of

'Har Har Mahadev.'

The

town, which is Williams' father's ancestral home, has been buzzing with

excitement since learning of her return after a lengthy stay at the

International Space Station. Plans are

being made for a huge procession in her honor, which will celebrate her

accomplishments and safe homecoming.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi