The official beginning of World Gratitude Day was in  1965 at the East-West Center in Hawaii  at a Thanksgiving dinner honoring grantees hosted by Sri Chinmoy, a meditation guru.  As director of the United Nations Meditation Group, he suggested the idea as a globally unifying holiday.  Each person pledged to hold a gratitude gathering each September 21 in their own country.  The United Nations Meditation Group formally celebrated World Gratitude Day on September 21, 1977 at the New York Headquarters where Sri Chinmoy was honored for his work.  Since its beginnings World Gratitude Day has been observed in many countries around the world.

For a more detailed history, click here.

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