Feast, Gratitude, and Togetherness: The Essence of Thanksgiving

Celebrated with a delicious feast and sincere thanks, Thanksgiving is among the most loved holidays in the United States. Although Indian tradition does not have a direct equivalent, it reminds me of the harvest celebrations of Punjab, such as Lohri and Baisakhi, when families gather to show thanksfulness for the abundance of nature.
Thanksgiving is best remembered for the dining table, laden with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Growing up in Hisar, our celebrations centred on food as well; delicacies like gajak during Lohri or laddoos at Diwali. Eating meals with loved ones appeals to everyone. Like the cosiness of a family gathering back home, Thanksgiving is the time for the talks around the table, the laughing, and the memories generated.
Thanksgiving’s emphasis on thanksfulness strikes me as especially motivating. Growing up in a small town where resources were occasionally limited, I have always valued the need to appreciate what we have. This philosophy reminds me to count my blessings even as I aim high for France and beyond in my life today.
My friends and I reenacted our version of Thanksgiving with a potluck dinner where everyone contributed a dish from their native country when I was in Toulouse. I brought Indian cuisine, and that evening we spoke about our cultures and what we were thankful for. It was a moving reminder of how, regardless of background, thanks helps people connect.
If I were celebrating a classic Thanksgiving in the United States, I would like to assist with dinner preparation, do turkey trot-style, and see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the hectic world of today, the festival’s focus on introspection and unity seems particularly important.
Thanksgiving honours family, thankfulness, and shared humanity. Whether it’s over a bowl of dal or a plate of turkey, I really connect to the idea of gathering to value life’s blessings wherever I am in the world.

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie