Desi style thanks giving
- Shalu Longani
- Apr 20, 2017
- 2 min read
A tradition dating back to the 16th century, Thanksgiving was originally celebrated on the theme of prayers to the almighty. We Indians have a habit of celebrating everything in a larger-than-life style, so how can we miss it when we have thank our God?
Our weakness happens to be making festivals a gala affair. For the harvest, to inculcate humility and grace in humanity in return of the immeasurable gifts we have received from God, we thank the almighty on different dates and seasons then the west. Food is one of the most essential aspects of every celebration- every occasion remains incomplete without food. Here is a peep into the festivals we celebrate on the same theme.
Image Courtesy: Desi Handi
LOHRI, PUNJAB
Celebrated every year on the 13th of January, the festival marks the resting period before the harvest of wheat crop. The festival celebrates fertility, abundance and joy of life. People have the traditional meal of ‘Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Di Roti’.
LADAINHA, GOA
Celebrated in the month of November, the ‘Ladin’ festival is a very popular festival amongst Goans. This is the closest version of western Thanksgiving one could find in India. The festivities conclude with a special dish of soaked gram, boiled and mixed with coconut chips. It is a mouth-watering treat for everyone.
Image Courtesy: Bharat Discovery
ONAM, KERALA
Celebrated to honor the arrival of the sacred and loved king Mahabali visiting his people, this ten-day festival is packed with fun-filled activities, dances, decorations and prayers of gratitude. Traditional dishes are served on a banana leaf and are feasted on by all the Keralite households during the month of September.
BIHU, ASSAM
Bihu is celebrated to mark the change in seasons is celebrated over the entire month of January. The festival begins with preparing the ground for paddy and commencement of various celebrations. Local delicacies like pitha, jolpan, larus (rice and coconut) add on to the gastronomical offerings. PONGAL, TAMIL NADU
Pongal is the harvest festival of the Tamils and is one of the major festivals celebrated across Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. The word ‘Pongal’ means ‘overflowing’ and signifies abundance and prosperity. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God to express appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for being the source of agriculture.
Image Courtesy: Bharat Discovery
MAKAR SANKRANTI, NORTH INDIA
Makar Sankranti commemorates the harvest season in India. It is one of those very few Hindu dates that coincide with the Gregorian calendar. Makar Sankranti is one of the most celebrated festivals of the Hindu calendar. It is highly characterized by the kite flying festival across the nation, in which people participate with zeal and flare. Delicious food is prepared to complete the festivities.
BAISAKHI, PUNJAB AND HARYANA
This festival holds high importance for the Sikh community. It is also known as the founding day of ‘Khalsa’ by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Baisakhi is the day on which farmers pay their tribute to Gods and thank them, for the sumptuous harvest and future prosperity.
We already know how to celebrate with grandeur. This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate by giving a helping hand to those who need it, and, let’s not to forget to count our blessings!
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