<p>Everyone needs an excuse to be thankful. And to express the two magical words — ‘Thank You’ — is the Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br /></p>.<p> It is a day of tradition for some and a celebration for others. Thanksgiving Day, which is basically American in origin, is being celebrated by many in the City today, especially the expatriates. It is an occasion to gorge on a good spread which includes a flavour of togetherness. <br /><br />Greg Moran, who’s from New York and has been in Bangalore for 18 months, recollects Thanksgiving as one of the best holidays of the year. “It’s the best American family gathering that happens back home. People get together over football and amazing food, and it’s all about having family time,” he says. <br /><br />Greg says that even though there is a lot of meaning in the festival, it’s not a religious <br />occasion, but one that applies for anyone. “Thanksgiving doesn’t have any strong principles,” he says. Talking about how different Thanksgiving was last year, he says that the food was different from what he’s used to.<br /><br />Cynthia Floyd, an expatriate from Texas, says that football is an important part of celebrating Thanksgiving Day. “The day is all about eating and coming together as a <br />family and enjoying each other’s company. We consume huge spreads, watch football and then go back to snacking again. <br /><br />The cornbread dressing and other food items completes the day,” details Cynthia. She adds that since her family is not with her in the City, she will be waiting to video-chat with them and then, hopes to spend some time with her friends. It’s the beginning of the festive season for many, says Meena Srinivasan, who resided in the USA for 12 years.<br /><br /> Ask her if she feels that there is an Indian equivalent to the festival and she says, “Sankranthi or Pongal are very special and reflect the same mood.” Meena adds that while she plans to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with friends, she sees a nice blend of celebrations across the world now. “It’s a pleasant feeling and I feel connected to old memories,” adds Meena.<br /><br />There are those who have never celebrated the festival as a tradition but know the flavour of it. Daleen Strydom from South Africa says that during her stay in the UK, she was exposed to celebrating harvest festivals. “But those festivals are religious by nature and are more formal. Having been part of a US Thanksgiving celebration too, I would say that the latter is a much more cosier and informal affair, where everyone is included,” she says.<br /><br />Anita Niyogi, who grew up in the USA and is now residing in the City, says that it <br />is an odd holiday here since not many celebrate it unless they have a connection to <br />the festival. Apart from a group of expatriates, no one celebrates it here. I believe that when one is in a different country, one should adapt with the festivals that are popular there. But I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving in grand style with sweet potato, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce and all that one can call a good Thanksgiving meal,” she <br />lists out.<br /><br />Many are excited about the festival, despite it being hard to get the perfect ingredients for an authentic meal. Elizabeth Bowden David, the owner of Habanero, says that her restaurant will be featuring original recipes for the day. <br /><br />“The menu will include authentic recipes from friends and family like ‘Autumn salad and pumpkin soup’, imported roast turkey, whipped potatoes, sauteed green beans and more. We also have a special pie platter, which will include pecan pie, apple crumble and peanut butter cream pie,” she lists out. Elizabeth recalls how pecan pie is one of her most favourite items of Thanksgiving. “Pecans grow in Alabama, from where I hail,” she smiles and adds.<br /><br />This is the most exciting and favourite part of the year for Elizabeth, since according to tradition, the Christmas trees and lights go up the next day after Thanksgiving. <br /><br />“That means that the Christmas festivities begin soon after this day,” she excitedly shares. Ask her about the spirit of the day, and she’s quick to add, “Who doesn’t feel thankful for all the joys one has in their life? Getting to spend time with family, doing your favourite things is just the perfect dream.”<br /><br /></p>
<p>Everyone needs an excuse to be thankful. And to express the two magical words — ‘Thank You’ — is the Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br /></p>.<p> It is a day of tradition for some and a celebration for others. Thanksgiving Day, which is basically American in origin, is being celebrated by many in the City today, especially the expatriates. It is an occasion to gorge on a good spread which includes a flavour of togetherness. <br /><br />Greg Moran, who’s from New York and has been in Bangalore for 18 months, recollects Thanksgiving as one of the best holidays of the year. “It’s the best American family gathering that happens back home. People get together over football and amazing food, and it’s all about having family time,” he says. <br /><br />Greg says that even though there is a lot of meaning in the festival, it’s not a religious <br />occasion, but one that applies for anyone. “Thanksgiving doesn’t have any strong principles,” he says. Talking about how different Thanksgiving was last year, he says that the food was different from what he’s used to.<br /><br />Cynthia Floyd, an expatriate from Texas, says that football is an important part of celebrating Thanksgiving Day. “The day is all about eating and coming together as a <br />family and enjoying each other’s company. We consume huge spreads, watch football and then go back to snacking again. <br /><br />The cornbread dressing and other food items completes the day,” details Cynthia. She adds that since her family is not with her in the City, she will be waiting to video-chat with them and then, hopes to spend some time with her friends. It’s the beginning of the festive season for many, says Meena Srinivasan, who resided in the USA for 12 years.<br /><br /> Ask her if she feels that there is an Indian equivalent to the festival and she says, “Sankranthi or Pongal are very special and reflect the same mood.” Meena adds that while she plans to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with friends, she sees a nice blend of celebrations across the world now. “It’s a pleasant feeling and I feel connected to old memories,” adds Meena.<br /><br />There are those who have never celebrated the festival as a tradition but know the flavour of it. Daleen Strydom from South Africa says that during her stay in the UK, she was exposed to celebrating harvest festivals. “But those festivals are religious by nature and are more formal. Having been part of a US Thanksgiving celebration too, I would say that the latter is a much more cosier and informal affair, where everyone is included,” she says.<br /><br />Anita Niyogi, who grew up in the USA and is now residing in the City, says that it <br />is an odd holiday here since not many celebrate it unless they have a connection to <br />the festival. Apart from a group of expatriates, no one celebrates it here. I believe that when one is in a different country, one should adapt with the festivals that are popular there. But I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving in grand style with sweet potato, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce and all that one can call a good Thanksgiving meal,” she <br />lists out.<br /><br />Many are excited about the festival, despite it being hard to get the perfect ingredients for an authentic meal. Elizabeth Bowden David, the owner of Habanero, says that her restaurant will be featuring original recipes for the day. <br /><br />“The menu will include authentic recipes from friends and family like ‘Autumn salad and pumpkin soup’, imported roast turkey, whipped potatoes, sauteed green beans and more. We also have a special pie platter, which will include pecan pie, apple crumble and peanut butter cream pie,” she lists out. Elizabeth recalls how pecan pie is one of her most favourite items of Thanksgiving. “Pecans grow in Alabama, from where I hail,” she smiles and adds.<br /><br />This is the most exciting and favourite part of the year for Elizabeth, since according to tradition, the Christmas trees and lights go up the next day after Thanksgiving. <br /><br />“That means that the Christmas festivities begin soon after this day,” she excitedly shares. Ask her about the spirit of the day, and she’s quick to add, “Who doesn’t feel thankful for all the joys one has in their life? Getting to spend time with family, doing your favourite things is just the perfect dream.”<br /><br /></p>
