Have a happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

O that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" - Psalm 107:8,15,21 and 31

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Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with lot of joy and enthusiasm not only in US but other countries as well. It symbolizes the feeling of gratitude, people feel towards God for bestowing constant grace and love. More commonly it is celebrated to thank God for the bounty of autumn harvest.

The official thanksgiving day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. It is generally a "four-day" weekend in the United States. Friday right after thanksgiving is popularly known as 'Black Friday'. It is the official beginning of Christmas season and is marked with the highest retail volume sales in USA. The day got its name from the standard accounting practice of marking profits in black ink in the US.

Thanksgiving Day Celebration in India

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Thanksgiving is celebrated world over with equal fervor and euphoria. It conveys the universal feeling of being thankful to God for his continuous grace. India is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and a secular country; also popular for its spirituality. It is known for its 'Unity in Diversity'. With the spread of western culture, Thanksgiving is celebrated in quite a few parts of India, the major festivity is however, observed by Christians in the state of Goa.

Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Goa

Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the state of Goa, with a different name. Thanksgiving is popularly known as 'Ladin' or 'Ladainha' in India. 'Ladin' literally means a litany to the Virgin Mary. During the Thanksgiving ritual, people thank God for all the material and spiritual benefits. The Thanksgiving function is sponsored by a different person every year who either seeks benefits or has been lucky enough to have God's special grace. 

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Christians start preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations by purchasing wheat and gram, candles, wine and colored tinsel paper. A temporary platform/altar is constructed which is decorated with flowers, vines and creepers. Celebrations also include singing of hymns and prayers. The village local violinist/choirmaster conducts the entire show of singing of litany.

Religious Feast of Thanksgiving in Goa

Another celebration associated with the feeling of Thanksgiving, is the popular religious feast of conception of Mother Mary. It is a time for farmers to cut the first harvest of milk-filed corn from the rice field and offer it to God. This is done to seek God's blessing for a good harvest in the coming season. Though the date of celebrations varies in different parts of Goa, but generally it is celebrated on the 15th of August every year.

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Have a happy and safe thanksgiving!