(Image source from: Instagram.com/airindia)

When Navratri comes around, kitchens all over India become filled with special dishes that are suitable for fasting, like sabudana khichdi, singhade ki poori, and phalahari kheer. This year, Air India is bringing these delightful flavors to the skies with a unique festive menu for all flights leaving India until September 30. The offerings include paneer tikka, sabudana vadas, sitaphal, and kheer, marrying traditional tastes with the experience of flying, allowing passengers to enjoy festive comfort foods at high altitudes while still embracing the season's spirit. Instead of the regular in-flight meals, travelers can indulge in a menu that merges tradition with a journey. Imagine savoring Sabudana Khichdi garnished with crispy salli, Vratwale Shahi Aloo, Singhade Ki Poori, Sabudana Wada, Malai Paneer Tikka, and Tale Aloo Ki Chaat. For those with a sweet tooth, options include Khatta Meetha Sitaphal and Phalahari Kheer, served alongside fresh seasonal fruits and yogurt. Every dish is made with ingredients suitable for fasting, ensuring a mix of health and taste while honoring the festive spirit. For passengers observing the fast, this menu ensures that they don’t have to sacrifice quality meals during flights. Meanwhile, those not fasting can enjoy a taste of traditional Navratri dishes in the sky, showcasing how food and culture are deeply connected to India’s festive celebrations.

Navratri meals have always meant more than just food. They symbolize comfort, tradition, and community, whether enjoyed at home, in temples, or during garba festivities. By offering these meals on its flights, Air India ensures that festive memories continue even when you are on the move. Therefore, if you are flying before the end of September, anticipate a meal that reflects the spirit of Navratri. Sometimes, the joy of the festival is sweetest when it catches you by surprise—be it at a local eatery or 35,000 feet in the air.