Malayalam Actress Navya Nair Fined ₹1.14 Lakh in Australia for Carrying Jasmine Garland

Key Points:

When we hear ‘gajra’, we can smell the fragrance and visualize culture and festivals. The very gajra symbolizing grace for Indian women became a reason for controversy for Malayalam actress Navya Nair. She was fined AUD 1980 (Rs. 1.14 lakh) at Melbourne International Airport for carrying a garland of Jasmine flowers, 15 cm long. The incident happened during her trip to Australia to participate in the Onam celebration organized by the Malayali Association of Victoria.

Biosecurity laws are strictly enforced in Australia to safeguard its distinctive agriculture and environment against foreign diseases and pests. As per these rules, travelers are prohibited from carrying fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, seeds or some specific food without prior declaration and inspection when they arrive. Navya carrying the jasmine garland was considered a violation of the law as she had no proper permission to do so. 

Navya shared that the jasmine flower was a token of blessings from her father for the trip. He thoughtfully divided the garland into two parts, one to wear during her flight and the other part to be worn upon her arrival in Melbourne for the Onam festivity. She packed the gajra in her handbag, unaware of the biosecurity regulations and the fine that it cost her. 

See Also: Malaika Arora: To me, ‘Own It’ means showing up as yourself without apologies

When we speak about Indian culture, the jasmine flower holds a special place, especially in South India. Women in India are often seen adorning their hair with gajras as it symbolizes purity, love and beauty. It is often a part of religious ceremonies, weddings and joyous occasions like Onam for its calming nature. It is considered auspicious, arousing devotion and tranquility. 

Scientifically speaking, jasmine belongs to the genus Jasminum and is often valued for its medicinal properties and pleasant aroma. Moreover, Jasmine essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve mood. The traditional medical system has long known about its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Navya handled the situation on social media with grace and wit. She shared a video of herself wearing the gajra with the caption “The drama just before paying the fine.” She then changed the caption to a simple flower emoji, showcasing her light-hearted take on the situation. 

She openly admitted at a public gathering about the issue. She said, “What I did was against the law. It was a mistake made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse.” Her owning up to her mistake moved people, stressing on the importance of understanding travel laws. 

Navya embraced the spirit of the festival despite the turbulent start. She enjoyed herself taking part in the Onam celebration not allowing the hefty fine to ruin her mood and spirit.

The story serves as a reminder to all international visitors to respect and adhere to local laws and biosecurity measures. [Rh/SY]

Also Read: