The recent death of Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler in the TV show ‘Friends,’ leaves a poignant mark on the approaching Thanksgiving weekend. ‘The One With Ross’s Sandwich’ episode of ‘Friends’ dedicated an entire story to a special turkey sandwich made from Thanksgiving leftovers, showcasing the delight of post-festivity meals. Indian culture has a complex relationship with leftovers, displaying a range of traditional practices and innovative ways of repurposing food. The Gadaba tribe of the Odisha highlands celebrates ‘festival of leftovers’ the day after a major summer ritual, where every household cooks and consumes the abundant meat from the festival day’s sacrifices. Many festivals follow similar practices, preparing an excess of food that becomes meals for the subsequent days. The concept of using leftovers extends beyond Indian culture. American kids enjoy a surplus of candy after Halloween, with Tamar Adler suggesting the inclusion of crushed candy in reduced sugar cakes. British traditions revive the Christmas meal on Boxing Day, while Pret-a-Manger sells popular Christmas food sandwiches during the summer. Easter’s boiled and painted eggs elevate egg salad sandwiches for lunches. Indian communities have had varied perspectives on leftovers, ranging from viewing them as impure and giving them away to lower caste communities or cows, to creatively using them. Rotis are torn up and stir-fried with onions and eggs for a delicious snack. Meat is chopped and transformed into kheema, cutlets, or used as stuffing for mashed potato ‘chops.’ Cookbooks compiled during wartime scarcities highlight the importance of reusing and finding positivity in food during difficult times. Moreover, young chefs reinvent traditional Indian food, offering innovative ways to repurpose Diwali sweets. Leftovers allow us to extend the joy of festivals a little longer by enjoying them in different forms.