THANKSGIVING (Indian and American Way!)

Thursday, 23rd November marks Thanksgiving in America. Having been closely associated with esteemed corporations like Monsanto and Honeywell during my corporate tenure, the American entities, and the camaraderie shared with numerous American friends and colleagues have significantly contributed to my growth as an EHS professional. Their invaluable guidance, advice, and candid feedback played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Alongside the insightful Manager Tools podcast by Mike and Mark, these interactions have been instrumental in my professional and personal success. Inspired by these experiences, I find it fitting to delve into the significance of American Thanksgiving and draw parallels with Indian festivals like Makar Sankranti. Here we go:

Both American Thanksgiving and Makar Sankranti in India share underlying themes of gratitude and celebration but have distinctive cultural, historical, and ritualistic differences.

• Gratitude and Harvest Festival:

  • American Thanksgiving: Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, it marks the gratitude of early European settlers for a successful harvest. Families gather for a feast centered around turkey.
  • Makar Sankranti: Observed in January, it signifies the end of winter and the onset of longer, warmer days. People express gratitude for the harvest with kite flying, sesame sweets, and various regional rituals across India.
  Cultural Significance:
  • American Thanksgiving: Traces back to the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal in the 1600s.
  • Makar Sankranti: Deeply rooted in Hindu culture, it is celebrated with variations across India, emphasizing the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign.
  Rituals and Traditions:
  • American Thanksgiving: Football, parades (like Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC), and the presidential turkey pardon are integral parts.
  • Makar Sankranti: Families fly kites, take holy dips in rivers, offer prayers, and exchange sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
  Regional Variations:
  • American Thanksgiving: Celebrated uniformly across the United States.
  • Makar Sankranti: Diverse regional practices, known by different names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Maghi in Punjab.

Comparing Food: Comparison of the food served during Indian and American Thanksgiving celebrations:
American Thanksgiving:

• Turkey: The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal in the US. Roasted turkey is traditionally served, often accompanied by stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
• Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread, and dinner rolls are common.
• Desserts: Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are classic Thanksgiving desserts.

Indian Celebrations (Makar Sankranti/Pongal):

• Regional Variations: India being diverse, the food varies widely across regions during Makar Sankranti and related festivals.
• Sweets: Til (sesame) and jaggery-based sweets like tilgul, til chikki, or ladoos are popular, symbolizing the warmth of the season.
• Savory Dishes: Dishes like pongal (a sweet and savory rice and lentil dish), puran poli (sweet stuffed flatbread), and various regional specialties are prepared.

While both celebrations emphasize feasting and sharing meals with loved ones, the specific dishes and ingredients used reflect the cultural and regional diversity of the respective traditions.

Karthik

24th Nov 23

9am