Thanksgiving is a way to express one’s gratitude toward our families and friends. Interestingly the Hindu religion also expresses thanks to our families and friends and it has its unique way to do so.
The Hindu religion worships many Gods and it also believes in giving respect to the elders. Parents are considered next to God. In Hindu religion the gesture of touching one’s feet to seek blessings is a way to show one’s respect and gratitude. Youngsters touch elder’s feet seeking for blessings and in return the elders bless them for long life and success. Evidently the Hindus also share the equal amount of respect to anyone who is old aged. Every festival in the Hindu religion contains rituals where youngsters express their thanks and gratitude to the God, their parents and to the elders in the family.
The Gita also states that in order to do good karma one should always respect elders and be humble and grateful to the Supreme Being. The Gita also goes on to say that even Teachers should be shown respect and thankfulness for their contributions in one’s life. Guru, in Hindi means Teacher, is also considered next to God. In India, Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year on 5th September and is in the honor of the birthday of India’s 2nd President Dr.Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. On Teacher’s Day students show their appreciation and thankfulness to the teachers.
The Hindus also believe that the various rituals in the Hindu festivals are a way to express thanks to the God Almighty for his blessings. During every festival the custom of exchanging gifts and extending invitations for visit is also a way to show “Thanks”. The Hindu festivals are always filled with fun and excitement no matter which God one worships or which state they belong to. Sharing gifts and sweets among the loved ones is a way to express out gratefulness for their friendship, help and support.
The Hindu religion has nearly 13 festivals in a year and in each festival the Hindus say “Thanks” with fun and enthusiasm. Dhanyabad in Hindi means “Thank You” and it is the least one can say for all the love and blessings showered by the God Almighty.
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