Real Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day just went by, November 26th to be precise. While most of us in India are not exactly trackers of this calendar event in the US, its a good time to start thinking about it.

Historically, Thanksgiving is a harvest festival where it is a time to give thanks to God for the harvest and express gratitude to others for our many blessings. While predominantly a religious festival, it is today a very secular holiday.

We in India don’t miss it because given the unique diversity of religion and culture that this country is, we have our own harvest festivals….. multiples of them!!! Pongal, Baisakhi, Onam, Sankranthi, Bihu and for me as a Mangalorean from Konkan, Noven. Each with its elaborate set of rituals, traditions and oh so yummy FOOD!!!!

But my main point is not the cultural diversity of India but rather the entire ethos that surrounds Thanksgiving. About why we need a specific day to give thanks. Everyday is a time to give thanks, thanks for everything and everyone that helps us grow in some way…..

Thank you for being you, for reading this and letting me be a better me :)