Air India Express Marks Onam with a Tribute to Kerala’s Kasavu Tradition on New Aircraft

Saturday, September 14, 2024

As Malayalee communities across the globe gear up for the grand festival of Onam, Air India Express is embracing the celebration by paying homage to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The airline has introduced a special tribute to the state’s traditions by adorning its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft with an exquisite tail art inspired by Kerala’s iconic ‘kasavu’ design—a symbol of elegance and cultural pride.

The striking tail art reflects the essence of the kasavu, a traditional handwoven fabric that holds deep significance in Kerala’s festivals and ceremonies. This artistic addition to the aircraft embodies the timeless charm and grace that Onam represents for Malayalees worldwide.

In an extraordinary gesture, Air India Express employees, excluding the cabin crew, embraced the kasavu attire to welcome the newly decorated aircraft at the Kochi International Airport. This symbolic gesture reflects the airline’s respect for Kerala’s cultural traditions, and the festive atmosphere was elevated by the presence of vibrant athapookalam (floral carpets) meticulously laid out beneath the aircraft’s wings and at check-in counters, enhancing the celebratory mood. The attention to detail reflected Air India Express’s dedication to bringing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage to life, even in the skies.

Passengers boarding the flight to Bengaluru were greeted with warmth and hospitality, receiving kasavu shawls as part of a special Onam gesture, making their journey even more memorable. The inaugural ‘Kasavu’ flight, which took off from Kochi on Wednesday, became a symbolic extension of the Onam celebrations, connecting passengers to the traditions of Kerala.

To complement this initiative, the in-flight experience was enriched with Onam-themed meals, offering passengers a taste of Kerala’s culinary heritage. The traditional flavors of sadhya, a festive meal typically served on banana leaves, were thoughtfully incorporated into the onboard menu, allowing passengers to partake in the festivities during their journey.

This thoughtful initiative by Air India Express not only highlights Kerala’s cultural identity but also strengthens the airline’s connection to its passengers by weaving tradition into their travel experience. As the aircraft soars through the skies, it carries with it the spirit of Onam, bridging communities across regions and reinforcing the message of unity, prosperity, and cultural pride.

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