In Jhulasan, Gujarat joyous celebrations erupted as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams safely returned to Earth on 18 March 2025, after an extraordinary 286-day space odyssey. The ancestral village of Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya, transformed into a festive hub, resonating with prayers, firecrackers, and the warmth of community pride. Known for its deep-rooted connection to the astronaut, Jhulasan marked her homecoming with Diwali-like fervour, honouring a daughter of the soil who soared amongst the stars.
The festivities began following the successful splashdown of the SpaceX Crew Dragon in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing Williams and fellow astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore back after an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Villagers gathered at the Dola Mata temple, where an eternal flame, the "Akhand Jyot," had burnt for nine months, symbolising their unwavering prayers for her safety. A grand procession, complete with prayer chants, fireworks, and Williams’ photograph, wound through the village, whilst aarti and bhajans filled the air with gratitude and celebration.
Williams’ journey commenced on 5 June 2024, as a test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner, intended to last just eight days. However, thruster malfunctions and helium leaks necessitated an extended stay, turning a short mission into a nearly ten-month endeavour.
Undeterred, Williams and Wilmore joined the ISS crew, contributing to vital research until SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission facilitated their return. Their splashdown near Tallahassee, Florida, at 5:57 p.m. ET, was met with global relief and pride.
Back in Jhulasan, the celebrations reflected not just relief but immense pride in Williams’ resilience. Her cousin, Navin Pandya, expressed hopes of inviting her to visit, envisaging an even grander welcome. Principal Vishal Panchal of Jhulasan’s primary school hailed her as a global inspiration. As Williams begins her 45-day recovery in Houston, her village’s festivities underscore the enduring bond between a space pioneer and her Indian roots, inspiring generations to reach for the stars.
