Thanksgiving in the U.S. has always been a holiday about gratitude, gathering, and good food. But for Indians living abroad, it has slowly transformed into something more—a celebration that blends two cultures, two kitchens, and two worlds into one shared table.
It’s no longer just Thanksgiving.It’s our Thanksgiving.
When Traditions Travel, They Transform
Walk into any Indian home in the U.S. in late November and you’ll notice something familiar. The Diwali lights—yes, the ones that went up a few weeks earlier—are still shining. Not because we forgot to take them down, but because they add the perfect festive glow to a chilly Thanksgiving evening. Instead of pumpkins replacing diyas… both exist side by side. One on the porch. One in the living room. A perfect cultural mashup, no explanation needed.
Turkey Meets Butter Chicken: The Menu Evolves
Sure, the turkey stays—it’s Thanksgiving after all. But so does the spice.
For many Indian families, Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without:
A pot of rich, creamy Butter Chicken
A tray of Biryani stealing the spotlight from all casseroles
Cranberry sauce meeting green chutney in surprisingly tasty harmony
And dessert?Pumpkin pie, yes… but also gulab jamuns, because what’s a celebration without them?
It’s the kind of menu that sparks conversations, laughter, and the occasional “Can you pass the naan?” across a very American dining table.
A Holiday That Feels Like Us
Thanksgiving, in Indian households, becomes more than a meal. It becomes:
A moment to call family back home
A chance to recreate familiar flavours in faraway kitchens
A day where neighbours discover the magic of masala
A celebration where kids grow up with two traditions instead of one
And in these homes, gratitude stretches across continents—toward parents in India, friends who become family abroad, and the small rituals that make any place feel like home.
Because It’s Not Just Thanksgiving—It’s Ours
Our version of Thanksgiving is louder, spicier, brighter, and somehow feels more complete. It carries the warmth of Indian festivals and the spirit of an American holiday. It’s the best of both worlds on one table.
And that is what makes it special. It’s not just Thanksgiving. It’s our Thanksgiving.
