THULASENDRAPURAM, India (AP) Residents of a tiny Indian village surrounded by rice paddies flocked to a Hindu temple, setting off firecrackers and praying and as they watched Kamala Harris , who has strong roots to the village, take her oath of office and become the U.S. vice president on Wednesday.

Groups of women in bright saris and men wearing white dhoti pants watched the inauguration live as reporters broadcast the villagers celebrations to millions of Indians. The villagers chanted Long live Kamala Harris while holding portraits of her and blasted off fireworks the moment she took the oath.

Earlier, the villages adorned their temple with flowers, offering special prayers for Harris success. Her maternal grandfather was born in the village of Thulasendrapuram, about 350 kilometers (215 miles) from the southern coastal city of Chennai.

We are feeling very proud that an Indian is being elected as the vice president of America, said teacher Anukampa Madhavasimhan.