In South India women wearing jasmine in their hair is a cultural tradition especially during festivals like Onam. But in Australia such floral adornments are not allowed past airport security. Actress Navya Nair learned this the hard way when she was fined Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne International Airport for carrying a jasmine gajra. Navya was in Australia to attend the Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria. However upon arrival at the airport officials stopped her and issued a penalty for violating strict biosecurity regulations. What exactly happened? Sharing her experience at a public event Navya narrated how the incident unfolded: Before I came here it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Navya Nair (@navyanair143) Unfortunately this decision cost her dearly. What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1980 (Rs 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days she explained. How did Navya react to the penalty? Despite the hefty fine Navya didn’t let the incident spoil her festive spirit. Soon after she posted a reel from Melbourne capturing the joy of Onam celebrations. Just two days earlier before boarding her flight to Australia Navya had shared pictures of herself sporting a jasmine gajra mid-air. Captioning the post she wrote: Happy Onam. First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work calls and that too is another happiness. Onboard Singapore Airlines... Melbourne here I come! Who is Navya Nair? Navya Nair is a two-time Kerala State Film Award winner for Best Actress. She made her acting debut with Ishtam (2001) directed by Sibi Malayil. Known for her expressive performances she has starred in acclaimed films like Nandanam Mazhathullikkilukkam Kunjikoonan Kalyanaraman Vellithira Ammakilikkoodu Gramophone Pattanathil Sundaran Chathikkatha Chanthu Pandippada Saira and Kanne Madanguka. Her body of work spans Malayalam Tamil and Kannada cinema making her one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Highlights Navya Nair was fined Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne Airport for carrying jasmine flowers. She admitted it was an unintentional mistake but accepted responsibility. Despite the setback she celebrated Onam in Australia with full spirit.
