Thanksgiving is a harvest festival celebrated across North America, these kinds of harvests festivals are common in Europe and Asian cultures. Many of Indian harvest festivals like Vaishaki, Loni, Makar Sankranti and Pongal also come to mind.

History
As per History few hundred Pilgrims (actually Separatists from Church of New England) landed on shores of US from England aboard ship named Mayflower, They were supposed to land on banks of Hudson river in New York State for which they had proclaimed rights from “Virginia Company” based in London,UK which had the rights to most of the eastern seaboard of the U.S. However due to rough weather they landed in New Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Half of pilgrims died aboard the ship or during first winter of settlement in New Plymouth. Pilgrims gradually become friends with Native American tribes and they started to learn new techniques of planting, harvesting and fishing from Native Americans, as a result of Native American help and wonderful weather they had bountiful harvest during harvest season of 1621 so decided to celebrate the occassion.Native Americans decided to join them for celebration and this become the First Thanksgiving celebration.

Current Tradition

In mordern’s days we still celebrate Thanksgiving with same intensity and fervor, Americans usually have family get together over Thanksgiving and have a customary lavish dinner consisting of Turkey, pumpkin pie, potatoes and corn. Watching football matches on Thanksgiving day is also very customary.Next day of Thanksgiving (usually Friday) marks begining of Christmas shopping season, Parades have also became Thanksgiving tradition & Departmant Stores have caught on badwagon by offering huge discounts and open their stores very early in morning,This day is also called black Friday since department stores make enough sales this day to turn from red(loss) to profit(black).

Although Thanksgiving is celebrated on different days in US and Canada but the intention is same “To express our gratitude to God for all the things he has given us”. Most importantly he has given us life to enjoy all beatiful things in life which we have taken for granted in modern days.

Thanksgiving is all about family so lets take a break from our hectic schedule & busy life this thanksgiving and spend time with family and friends and thank Almighty for beautiful life, wonderful company of family & friends and overall the great privileges that he has given us.