Air India has announced a range of special dining services following the festival week in India, which include Eid-ul-Fitr, Chaitra Navratri and Gudi Padwa. From the sweetness of Eid to the traditional tastes of Navratri and Gudi Padwa, guests can now enjoy the authentic taste of India’s rich heritage.
For Eid, the Tata-owned carrier will provide Sheer Khurma on all flights departing from March 20 onwards. “The offering is available across all cabin classes and across the network, including all ex-India flights, domestic routes and return catering sectors, ensuring a consistent holiday experience. On flights with multiple catering services, Sheer Khurma has been integrated into the main catering service, while the refreshment offering will continue.
“The initiative is implemented across all catering partners, including TajSATS, Oberoi Flight Services, Casino Air Caterers and Flight Services (CAFS) and Ambassador’s Sky Chef (ASC), ensuring consistency in quality and service delivery across all touch points,” he further added.
Special Navratri thali
Festive menus are also available at the recently inaugurated flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi. Flyers can enjoy a special Navratri thali with fruits, Sabudana Khichdi, raita, buttermilk, paneer sabzi and kheer among others.
Meanwhile, Shrikhand, Chocolate Peda, Orange Coconut Barfi, Mawa Modak and Gujiya were served at the Adani Lounge in Mumbai on March 19 to celebrate Gudi Padwa. Besides, the lounge will be serving special Eid food including Dal Ghost, Malai Chicken Gilafi Kebab, Kacchi Murg Biryani, Paneer Reshmi Handi, Shahi Tukda, Baklava and Phirni on March 21 for lunch and dinner.
Festivals this week – dates, key times
Gudi Padwa is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Pratipada — the first day of the first month of Chaitra, according to Amanta and Purnimanta of the Hindu calendar.
Pratipada tithi starts: March 19, 2026 at 06:52
Pratipada tithi ends: March 20, 2026 at 04:52 AM
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr – March 21
The holiest month in the Islamic Hijri calendar – Ramadan – usually lasts 29 to 30 days, and the celebrations culminate in the Eid festivities. This time, the Eid celebrations will correspond to 1 Shawwal 1447 according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The date of Eid ul-Fitr celebration varies from region to region as it depends on the sighting of the moon.
Key rituals of Eid
Devotees begin their day by saying morning prayers (Salat al-Eid). On this day, they offer Zakat al-Fitr to the needy, wear new clothes, feast with family, share sweets, visit loved ones and exchange gifts, Eidi (token money) and greetings.
Chaitra Navratri
The nine-day Chaitra Navratri festivities begin on the first day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar, which begins with the month of Chaitra. Chaitra Navratri celebrations culminate with the celebration of Rama Navami on the last day.
Chaitra Navratri Rituals
The customs and rituals of Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are similar and begin with Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi.
