Ugadi is a festival of the Telugu-speaking community in India, the US, and other parts of the world. Ugadi is celebrated to welcome the Telugu New Year; it ushers in a season of freshness and brightness before the colors of Holi entirely fade away. Nature brims with sprightliness when red flowers blossom and mango buds bloom heralding the arrival of New Year for South Indians. The Ugadi traditions and rituals are observed in harmony with the joy and beauty of nature to mark the beginning of growth, affluence, and prosperity for everyone.

Ugadi legends and beliefs

Apart from its harmony with the changing face of nature, Ugadi has an age-old association with mythology and history in reference to Hinduism. It is mythically believed that the day when Lord Brahma, the Supreme Creator of the universe, stared creation of life is the first day of a new year or the Ugadi Day. If the cosmic calculations made by Bhaskaracharya, a noted Indian mathematician, are to be believed, Ugadi is the first day of a new year. The controversy of these beliefs apart, the fields with vibrancy of life, the meadows with colorful blossoms, the mango trees with green foliage and the households with the glow of rangoli refer to a new beginning, a new journey, a new life…

Ugadi festival: Culinary culture

Ugadi comes with fresh aroma of raw mangoes in the air. It defines the mood and color of the environment, which in turn, impacts the festivity and celebration. Raw mango slices are among the key ingredients of Ugadi Pachadi, a must-have festive dish that is unique to the culinary culture of the Telugu people. The women in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh get busy making several different mango preparations including pickle as raw mangoes are available in plenty, from April to June. Atukulu Payasam, Boorelu, Bellam Garelu, Semiya Payasam, Rava pulihora, Pappu Pulusu, Vankaya batani, etc. are some of the most popular Ugadi festival dishes – which even Telugu NRIs in USA can’t help but cook and share with others.

What’s Ugadi Pachadi, six flavors of life

Ugadi Pachadi is not just an overtone of the festive celebration but also an integral part of the cultural tradition and a reference to the philosophy of life in the Telugu community. It is a dish of six different tastes and flavors – jaggery, raw mango, tamarind, neem flowers, salt and green chilli – that range from sweet to bitter. The ingredients of the dish symbolize the different phases and experiences of life that everyone undergoes during the journey from cradle to grave. Human life is a harmonious mix of verities including joy and sorrow just Ugadi Pachadi, a mix of different flavors. Ugadi Pachadi is known as Bevu Bella in Karnataka.

Ugadi traditions and rituals in Telugu households

The people wake up before sunrise. They start the Ugadi day with a holy oil bath early in the morning and wear new clothes. The women draw beautiful rangoli in form of floral designs, as an auspicious mark of the festivity, on the space just outside their homes. The main entrance, doors and windows of houses as well as shops are decorated with strings of fresh green mango leaves called thorana. According to a mythical legend stating that Lord Ganesh, god of wealth and prosperity, is fond of mango leaves, this tradition signifies good harvest and good health. The people visit temples to seek divine blessings for health, wealth, success and prosperity in the New Year.

This exclusive article and the reel (below) on ‘how Ugadi is celebrated’ are brought to you by Indian Eagle, your trusted travel-booking partner. Subscribe to Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal, for diaspora stories, international travel news, US immigration and visa updates.

 

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The post All about Ugadi Festival: Significance, Legends, Traditions, Rituals in India and Abroad first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post All about Ugadi Festival: Significance, Legends, Traditions, Rituals in India and Abroad appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Among the visa-free countries for US visa holders, Singapore makes an interesting transit hub with free tours from Changi International Airport. The airport’s transit program comprises four guided sightseeing tours for transit or transfer passengers. While traveling on Singapore Airlines flights from USA to India or back to the US, you can get the best of a free Singapore tour to kill a layover (minimum 5.5 hours) at Changi Airport.

Free Singapore Tours: Eligibility criteria for transit travelers

All international travelers flying via Changi Airport are eligible for Free Singapore Tours, regardless of their nationality, travel origin, and final destination. The first and foremost condition is the layover duration or transit time that must be between 5.5 hours to 24 hours. Your layover timing at Changi Airport should correspond to at least one of the tour schedules.

• You must have a Changi Airport layover of 5.5 hours and not exceeding 24 hours
• You must register yourself and book the free tour online in advance
• You must report 90 minutes prior to the tour schedule
• You must have a valid passport, boarding pass, and tour booking confirmation
• You may need a Singapore transit or entry visa
• Your check-in bags, if any, must be checked to the final destination

How to register for a free Singapore transit tour

You can book a free Singapore tour of your choice online within 50 days before your travel date. You will see Changi International Airport’s all the free guided tours listed under the ‘Airport Guide’ section of the website, ChangiAirport.com. Alternatively, transit passengers can register at the Free Singapore Tour service counters located in the transit areas of Terminal 2 (near Gate F50) and Terminal 3 (near Gates A1–A8).  Kindly note that registration or booking confirmation is subject to slot availability. Indian Eagle’s customer support team can help you register while or after booking Singapore Airlines flight tickets for you.

Singapore City Sights Tour

One of the free Singapore tours from Changi Airport, a City Sights Tour makes layovers more interesting for international transit travelers. The 2.5-hour City Sights Tour showcases the modern landscape of Singapore as one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. The tour drives through the historic Civic District where landmarks such as City Hall, the Parliament House, and the Supreme Court stand close to each other, reflecting Singapore’s colonial past and modern governance.

The Singapore City Sights Tour offers scenic views of Marina Bay and its iconic skyline. A 30-minute stopover at Merlion Park gives travelers a chance to capture photos of the famous Merlion statue with Marina Bay Sands in the background. Another 30-minute stopover is at Gardens by the Bay, an award-winning waterfront garden with more than 500,000 plants. The towering Supertrees that light up the night sky are must-see attractions during this tour.

• Reporting Time: Before 10:30 AM SGT, or 4:30 PM
• Tour Timing: 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6 PM – 8:30 PM

Sentosa Discovery Tour, Singapore

The free Singapore layover tours under Changi Airport’s transit program include Sentosa Discovery Tour. A 2.5-hour guided trip to Sentosa Island, which once housed British military and served as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, offers panoramic views of Singapore’s southern coastline. A popular resort destination, Sentosa Island has laidback beaches, sensory gardens, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Singapore Oceanarium, and the famous Universal Studios’ rotating globe. If the time permits, the trip may extend to offer you a mesmerizing experience of music, laser light, fireworks, and water jets at Siloso Beach.

• Reporting Time: Before 5:30 PM SGT
• Tour Timing: 7 – 9:30 PM SGT

Singapore Heritage and Culture Tour 

If you explore a new place for its history and culture, you must opt for a free Heritage and Culture Tour during your layover at Changi International Airport. This 2.5-hour tour will transport you back to Singapore’s colonial past at Chinatown and Kampong Gelam – the most vibrant ethnic neighborhoods and home to many architectural marvels.

Integral to the colonial history of Singapore, Chinatown is a 30-minute halt during the heritage tour. Street murals depicting the lives of locals in the bygone decades do not go unnoticed. This free Changi layover tour also includes a visit to the Singapore River and its quays, where the trading economy of the country is believed to have been cradled. Glimpses of the bustling life in this part of old Singapore are simply unmissable.

Another 30-minute stop is Kampong Gelam, a historic neighborhood of the Malay and Arab communities that settled here during the colonial era. Here you can’t help admiring the golden-domed Sultan Mosque and explore lively streets such as Arab Street and Haji Lane. Together, these districts showcase the diverse cultural influences that shaped modern Singapore. This neighborhood has some of Singapore’s swanky cafes and ultramodern art galleries.

• Reporting Time: Before 8:30 PM | 1:30 PM SGT
• Tour Timing: 10 AM – 12:30 PM SGT | 3 PM – 5:30 PM SGT

Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour

For international transit travelers seeking a glimpse into Singapore’s heart, the 2.5-hour bus tour traces the Singapore River’s historic path through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, culminating with a stop at the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands.

The Singapore River’s narrative is deeply woven into the fabric of the country, from its bustling days as a port teeming with bumboats and merchants to its present-day transformation alongside the Central Business District. The tour passes through vibrant Clarke Quay, a lively riverside district known for its waterfront restaurants and colorful buildings, before following the river’s scenic promenade lined with historic shophouses and cultural landmarks.

As the tour approaches Marina Bay Waterfront, travelers can admire Singapore’s spectacular skyline featuring landmarks such as the ArtScience Museum and soaring skyscrapers of the financial district. The tour includes a 30-minute stop at Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. This luxury complex houses designer boutiques, celebrity-chef restaurants, and an indoor canal with gondola rides.

• Reporting Time: 11:30 AM | 2:30 PM SGT
• Tour Timing: 1 PM – 3:30 PM | 4 PM – 6:30 PM SGT

Is entry or transit visa required for Free Singapore Tours? 

US citizens do not need Singapore’s entry or transit visa for a city sightseeing tour from Changi Airport. Singapore offers a 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) to Indians flying to a third country via Changi. Indian passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, or Switzerland, along with confirmed onward flight tickets, may be eligible for Singapore’s visa-free transit facility. You may need an entry visa to Singapore, if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Visa-Free Transit Facility. Final entry permission is subject to approval by Singapore immigration authorities.

Can I book a free Singapore tour through Indian Eagle while purchasing flight tickets?

Free Singapore layover tours can only be booked through the Changi Airport website, though Indian Eagle books multi-day stopover packages for Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Istanbul, and the Middle East at unbeatable rates. Exclusive phone-only flight deals and best stopover packages are just a call away (+1800-615-3969).

The post Free Singapore Tours from Changi Airport: Know How to Book, Eligibility Criteria, Other Details first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Free Singapore Tours from Changi Airport: Know How to Book, Eligibility Criteria, Other Details appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Indians are not Indians if they travel to USA without their familiar or favorite spices, snacks, sweets, and pickles. Essential items that they are fond of do fill half of their checked bags for India to USA flights. It’s absolutely natural to crave and carry some flavors of home, but not all food items are allowed to bring to USA from India. Save this guide to traveling with food from India to USA and pack your checked bags accordingly. Knowing the US CBP guidelines on food imports from India is equally important.

Indian Eagle, the most trusted source of budget airline tickets online and cheaper phone-only flight deals, presents this India-USA travel guide that comes handy for Indian students, H1B professionals, OCI cardholders, and B2 visa holders.

What food items from India are not allowed to USA

The United States has very strict rules when it comes to protecting its agriculture and health ecosystem from foreign food imports. That means the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prohibits certain food items from India and other countries, like rice, soybeans, and chickpeas, no matter how fond of them you are. Indians cannot bring rice into USA even though rice is a daily staple in many Indian communities including Bengali, Odiya, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalee.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed because of pest concerns.
• Meat, meat products, poultry items are mostly restricted in any form, cooked, dried, or canned.
• Plants and seeds are not allowed to USA from India as these are categorized as ‘agriculture’ products.
• Herbal powders are subject to CBP inspections and may get flagged without a certificate from Indian authorities.

Can you bring dairy products into USA from India?

Packing in most dairy food items for flights to USA from India is restricted. You are not allowed to carry raw milk, paneer, and homemade dairy products in general (liquid/semi-liquid and perishable) to USA.

However, what you can pack in for USA is commercially packaged and labelled dairy products in sealed containers from India, like cheese, milk powder, milk-based baby food. Carrying liquid milk and milk-based products with proper packaging and labelling is allowed in small quantities for infants or young children.

Are homemade sweets among the food items allowed to USA from India?

Packing in boxes of homemade sweets like laddu and other delicacies for NRI children and relatives is a tradition in India. It is a manifestation of Indian mothers and grandmothers’ immeasurable love. You can carry from India to USA dry/semi-solid homemade sweets like laddu, kaju katli, soan papdi and shakkarpara in your checked bags. It is advisable to carry any homemade food item in small quantities. Do note at the same time that CBP officers at US airports are more likely to inspect your homemade food than commercially packaged products.

What food items are allowed to USA from India 

The list of food items that you are allowed to bring to USA from India is quite long. The key point to remember is that the permissible food items from India must be dry, non-perishable, commercially packaged, labeled and sealed in compliance with the CBP guidelines for foreign imports into the US.

Dried spices and herbs: It is totally fine carrying dried spices and herbs like turmeric powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, sambar powder, chole masala. Many Indians can’t help having the familiar smell of Indian masalas even in the US. You can take homemade spices on flights to USA; just make sure to carry them in airtight containers.

Pickles and ready mixes: Name a single Indian community that can survive without pickles in meals, irrespective of the country of residence. To be precise, commercially packed and sealed pickles and ready mixes can be part of your checked baggage, as those are allowed into the US.

Instant noodles and ramen: These ready-to-cook packaged food products are a lifeline for Indian students and bachelors on H1B visa in the US. You can pack in instant noodles and ramen without egg or meat for your initial days in America.

Fish and seafood: A daily staple especially for Bengalis and Keralites! They carry fish and seafood to USA from India in small quantities for personal consumption. Do note that you can pack in only canned, dried, frozen, or smoked fish and seafood for international flights.

Dried fruits and snacks: These are among the food items that US CBP allows travelers to bring from India. Ready-to-eat snacks like Haldiram’s bhujia and homemade namakpara or murukku can go through TSA security checkpoints at US airports. Packed dried fruits can make way into your checked bags for India to USA travel.

Tea leaves, roasted coffee beans, dried lentils, chocolates, cookies, and baked items (eggless) are among the other food items that you can bring from India to USA.

Important tips for carrying allowed food items to USA           

Packaging: Always pack in commercially labeled, sealed food packets. This makes it easier for CBP officers to identify what’s inside and alleviates the chances of your food being questioned or rejected. For homemade food, use airtight containers or zip lock bags, and clearly label them with the contents.

Declaration: On arrival in the US, you must declare all food items from India through the CBP declaration form, irrespective of quantities. Failing to declare your food import can lead to heavy scrutiny, confiscation, even fines. The CBP penalty for not declaring food items can go up to $1,000, so it is always safer to be upfront and honest.

Quantity: The food you carry to USA from India must be for personal use. If you pack large amounts of any item, it may be seen as a commercial import, which is not allowed under personal baggage rules.

Regulations: Before you travel, it is a good idea to check the websites of US CBP and USDA for what food products are allowed and what’s not. This helps you avoid surprises at the entry airport in USA and ensures you are carrying only the food items compliant with the CBP guidelines.

The post Traveling to USA? A Complete Guide to What Food Items You can Carry from India and How to Pack first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Traveling to USA? A Complete Guide to What Food Items You can Carry from India and How to Pack appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The escalating tensions in West Asia are sending ripple effects in global aviation by dramatically triggering crude oil and jet fuel prices to soar above $100 a barrel (the highest since 2022). Even a moderate increase in fuel prices can affect airline economics, provided jet fuel being the single largest fare component in long-haul flight tickets, such as from US to India. It is forcing airlines to revise fuel surcharges and raise fares to offset additional operational expenses, amid the global fuel supply challenges.

Air India raises fuel surcharge in tickets

Hit by the jet fuel price hike, Air India increased fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights. Come 18 March 2026, Air India flight tickets to USA and Australia will cost an additional $50 per passenger due to the fuel surcharge increase from $150 to $200, in addition to a usual fare hike driven by the changing demand-supply dynamics. Effective 12 March, domestic fares of Air India and its subsidiaries include Rs 399 as fuel surcharge per ticket.

Cathay Pacific doubles fuel surcharge

Another popular Asian airline operating flights between USA and India bypassing the Middle East airspace, Cathay Pacific has doubled the fuel surcharge for long-haul service. Cathay Pacific’s new fuel surcharge, USD149 (doubled from US$ 73), will apply to tickets issued on or after 18 March. The aviation fuel cost that has roughly doubled amid the soaring crude oil prices since the outbreak of conflicts in West Asia, is a major driver for the fuel surcharge increase.

Air France-KLM raises long-haul fares by $58

Of the European airlines providing safe travel between USA and India amid the Middle East travel disruptions, Air France-KLM’s flight ticket prices have soared by an additional US$ 58 per passenger, effective 11 March 2026. This fuel surcharge for long-haul economy flights varies depending on travel classes. However, the Lufthansa Group of airlines has a hedging system to indemnify international fares against the soaring fuel costs.

US airlines to respond to soaring fuel prices

US airlines are feeling the heat of a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, but they are yet to react to it. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby is keeping a close watch on the Middle East war developments and said that UA flight ticket prices could soar in the coming days if the global fuel supply challenges further drive up the aviation turbine fuel price per barrel. Delta Airlines’ spokesperson echoed the same thoughts referring to the evolving situation in the Gulf region.

Thai Airways to raise fuel surcharge by 10-15%  

Since Thai Airways operates codeshare flights on some US to India routes via Bangkok, traveling with Thai Airways is not immune to an airfare and fuel surcharge increase. Reportedly, Thai Airways ticket prices may surge by 10-15% in the form of fuel surcharge in a bid to offset the rising jet fuel price. The airline said that travelers may see an approximate 15% fuel surcharge in tickets in the coming days.

Japan Airlines

Of the Asian airlines for safe US-India travel routes, Japan Airlines thinks it is too early to respond to the fuel price surge. JAL already has fuel surcharge as a fare component. As of now, Japan Airlines is not looking to revise the fuel surcharge before 1 April 2026. However, nothing can be said surely given unprecedented volatility of the geopolitical crisis.

Is this the right time to book flight tickets

“The history of international airfares in the aftermath of a global crisis like COVID-19 signals that this is the right time to book cheap flight tickets from USA to India for your summer travel, before airlines’ new fuel surcharge takes effect this month. When countries gradually reopened doors and travel rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines increased fares manifold to recuperate their overwhelming losses to some extent. If the ongoing geopolitical conflict prolongs jet fuel price hikes, airline ticket prices will further burn holes into your pocket,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of IndianEagle.com.

The post Air India to Air France: Airlines Raise Fares and Fuel Surcharge Impacting Your US to India Travel Costs first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Air India to Air France: Airlines Raise Fares and Fuel Surcharge Impacting Your US to India Travel Costs appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Safe alternatives to Middle East routes between USA and India 

Both European and non-European airlines are providing safe alternatives to the conflict-affected Middle East routes between USA and India in current times. Despite being an ally of the US, Europe continues to maintain a neutral stance on the Middle East conflict; it makes Europe a safe corridor for US-India flights by Swiss Air, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlanta, British Airways, and Air France-KLM.

The Gulf airlines’ best flight deals, award-winning hospitality, efficient service on board, and world-class hub airports make the Middle East a heavy-traffic transit corridor between USA and India. It is also true that not always their fares are cheaper than that of European airlines. As elaborated above, you can book your onward flight from USA to India via Europe for imminent travel. Once the Middle East tensions de-escalate, you can book your return travel on a Gulf carrier for the best deal.

You can explore other options like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines. Their US to India flights are among safe alternatives to the Middle East routes. In addition, there are Air Canada, Air India, and American Airlines (nonstop JFK to DEL travel). IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking partner, has the best airline deals and a flat $25 discount on select flights via Europe, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. IEUGADEIDTB is your discount code valid for the booking period, from 18 to 22 March (CST hours).

Right time to book flight tickets to India  

This is the right time to plan and book your travel from USA to India, as airline ticket prices are likely to rise very soon. Airlines’ cash reserves are depleting over flight cancellations and refunds amid the Middle East conflict. They can barely absorb the jet fuel hike triggered by the disrupted crude oil supply from the Gulf region. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) rates have recently soared to $150-$200 per barrel from $85-$90.

Among the few airlines that the geopolitical crisis and airspace restrictions impacted badly, Air India is increasing fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flight tickets. Effective 18 March 2026, Air India flights to USA and Australia will cost an additional $50 in fuel surcharge per ticket. It means you will have to pay extra USD200 for four Air India tickets, irrespective of routes from the US to India or Australia. The fare increase is also applicable to rebooking of cancelled flights and rescheduling of any existing reservation, starting on 18 March. Check other airlines increasing flight ticket prices sooner or later.

Choose two one-way itineraries over round-trip booking

Mostly, a round-trip flight itinerary costs lesser than two one-way flight tickets. But what matters more than saving a few tens of dollars – is flexibility given travel disruptions amid unprecedented geopolitical events. Though booking tickets of Gulf airlines is open for US to India travel in March and April 2026, it is recommended you book onward travel and return travel separately (two different PNRs) instead of a round-trip itinerary. With the Iran-US conflict showing no signs of abating, flight cancellations are likely to occur intermittently.

In case of a round-trip booking (including transit in the Middle East) for onward flight scheduled in late March and return flight in late April or May, you risk the entire itinerary if the volatile situation forces the airline to cancel scheduled operations fully or partially. It is better to make two one-way flight bookings for travel with different airlines.

Besides, a partially used round-trip itinerary is non-cancellable and non-refundable. Even if an unavoidable reason or scenario entitles you to a refund on partial cancellation in a round-trip booking, the refund amount is trivial. Airlines refund only 10-20% of the total round-trip fare in case of partial cancellation.

Check out flight deals of not-so-popular airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair, EVA Air, SriLankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Thai Airways are not as popular as European and Middle Eastern carriers for US-India service. They have safe routes to USA and India outside the Gulf region. Though very close to the Gulf region, Ethiopia’s flag carrier – Ethiopian Airlines flights from USA to India don’t enter the Middle East airspace. It also provides seamless connection and free stopover in Addis Ababa (including complimentary hotel stay). Likewise, Finnair connects New Delhi to Dallas DFW, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Seattle, and Chicago via Helsinki.

EVA Air, Thai, SriLankan, and Malaysia airlines operate on some US-India routes in codesharing with other airlines. For instance, EVA Air codeshares with Air India, and SriLankan Airways codeshares with American Airlines, British Airways, and Air Canada. As partners of Indian Eagle, a leading US-based travel tech company, these airlines offer their unpublished exclusive fares as phone-only deals – which are just a call away from +1800-615-3969 (24/7).

The post US-India Safe Flight Routes Bypassing Middle East and Travel Booking Tips during Geopolitical Crisis first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post US-India Safe Flight Routes Bypassing Middle East and Travel Booking Tips during Geopolitical Crisis appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The morning a ladle full of dosa batter makes it to a heated pan and then spirals from the middle of the pan to the outermost edge, emitting a fresh aroma that Indian immigrants in USA are quite familiar with, it makes a fulfilling day. The man who replaced the time-intensive preparation for dosa, idli, and vada with his readily available batter packets making it possible for nuclear Indian families to cook and grab a quick breakfast in the United States, where life is a ‘rate race’, is 70-year-old Mani Krishnan from India. Next to Nestlé’s 2-minute Maggi magic, his batter for South Indian breakfast sold under the brand, Shastha Foods, has been a staple in Indian households across the US and Canada over the years.

Celebrating World Dosa Day 2026, Travel Beats, a leading portal for Indian expats in North America by IndianEagle.com, offers a sneak peek into Tamil Nadu-born Mani Krishnan’s journey from rural India to America, from two grinders to a 35,000-sqft manufacturing unit, from selling hardware to making dosa-idli batter……

It was 1977 when he traveled to the US with a mind full of ideas and dreams, and joined his immediate family living in San Jose, California after graduating in commerce and following a short stint as an accountant in Mumbai. Before making his foray into the nascent Indian food market in the US, he ran an export business dealing in hard disk drives, motherboards, processors, etc. for 18 long years. After an initial success, the business hit the rocks following a bumpy ride for two decades. However, his urge to be own boss did not evaporate. Prior to exporting hardware products to IT businesses in India, he was hired for a routine job at a tech company in San Francisco – which he started disliking.

With Indians migrating to the US and yearning for authentic Indian food there during the dot-com boom in the late 1990s, Mani Krishnan hit upon the idea of selling idli and dosa batter – which took shape in 2003. He mortgaged his house, the only thing he could pawn for the potential success of his new business idea. With his wife’s support, he started manufacturing, packaging, labeling and distribution of idli and dosa batter from home, in order to cater to the growing demand for easy-to-cook Indian dishes.

Distribution of dosa batter packs was the very first challenge that he faced. He went on to visit grocery stores in San Jose and request them to accommodate his product on a shelf. He even agreed to be paid only when the product would sell. He had a hard time convincing the store owners about his compliance with the FDI guidelines right from manufacturing to labeling. Initially, Mani Krishnan’s dosa batter found space only in 10 stores. In spite of the best efforts he put in, the product made only 1,000 sales in the first year. By 2005, his brand, Shastha Foods, started gaining momentum as a household name in California. In 2006, the demand for Shastha Foods’ dosa batter shot up in other parts of the west coast.

Today, Mani Krishnan – the founder of Shastha Foods in the US – prides himself on distributing the batter to over 350 stores and selling 10 packets every minute. The launch of an online portal facilitating the booking of orders for and the delivery of dosa batter and other products gave the business a competitive advantage. Shastha Foods sold over 200 million dosa batter packets in the US and Canada over the past 20 years. A remarkable journey, indeed!

However, Mani Krishnan – the king of idli and dosa batter in America – did not let his journey cease on achieving several milestones. Rather, he continues it through experimentation on varieties of dosa and idli batter at home. Today, Shastha Foods’ merchandise includes batter for multiple dosa varieties, such as oats dosa, millet dosa, brown rice dosa, and pesarattu. He makes sure to take feedback from friends, families and colleagues before moving a product to a large-scale production. Most of his products, ranging from ready-to-cook packets to sweet boxes, sell like a hotcake on festive occasions, including Ugadi and Pongal in the USA.

This exclusive story is part of the series, Indian Life in America, by Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Americans and Indian immigrants in the US. Subscribe to Travel Beats, a thriving community portal by Indian Eagle, for Indian Diaspora stories, US-India travel news, visa and immigration updates.

The post Meet Dosa King, who Makes it Possible for Indian Families to Cook and Grab Quick Breakfast in USA first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Meet Dosa King, who Makes it Possible for Indian Families to Cook and Grab Quick Breakfast in USA appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and technology go hand in hand. No wonder why RGIA Hyderabad earned recognition at the Airports Excellence Awards 2024 for its innovations which double up as passenger-friendly solutions, such as Smart Trolleys. Since completion of the pilot trial, 3,000 IoT smart trolleys at Hyderabad Airport have elevated passenger experience. Not only is booking flights to Hyderabad from USA easier these days, but also navigating the airport is a seamless experience.

Smart Trolley – the best alternative to airport wheelchairs  

30% of passengers on India to US flights alone request wheelchair assistance at Delhi and Mumbai airports, according to Air India. Most of them are able-bodied travelers with little to no mobility issues. Yet they ask for wheelchair service mainly because it helps them navigate international terminals, get priority baggage check-in, skip long queues, and deal with Hindi/English-speaking staff. Though DGCA India directed airlines to provide wheelchair support as a paid service to able-bodied passengers, Rajiv Gandhi Airport’s smart trolleys can stop wheelchair abuse across airports in India.

What are Smart Trolleys?

At RGIA, smart trolleys are not just advanced luggage carts, they are smart traveling companions and all-in-one guides helping flyers with baggage handling to real-time flight updates. Built on the LoRa (Long Range) IoT technology platform, these trolleys come with a tab-like screen and support long-range wireless communication. These high-tech trolleys pack in multiple features (listed below) to make your travel smarter and faster at Hyderabad Airport.

Hyderabad Airport Smart Trolleys: Key features

GPS-enabled Tracking

The trolleys are equipped with GPS systems that enable the airport and the user to track their whereabouts in real time. You can use HYD Airport’s mobile app or digital kiosks to locate the closest available trolley.

Real-Time Info Touchscreen

Remarkably, smart trolleys have digital screens that put all essential information at your fingertips, such as live flight status, boarding gate numbers, and various airport facilities. The touchscreen works like a navigator to help you with directions to food courts, retail stores, help desks, and likes.

Your luggage safety

You can keep the trolley unattended while using the restroom in the airport terminal. Yes, HYD Airport’s smart trolleys are equipped with app-controlled locks and sensors to ensure the safety of your travel bags. This specific feature has even surprised techies, who book Dallas to Hyderabad flights for business or family trips.  

USB Charging Ports

What is more remarkable about these luggage carts is that they have built-in USB charging ports, so that your mobile devices don’t fall dead particularly during flight delays.  

Automatic Reallocation

Using predictive analytics, the airport provides trolleys in high-demand areas, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates, particularly during peak hours. Precisely, you don’t need to look for a trolley.

Time-Saving and Efficient

With GPS-enabled convenience and dynamic deployment through predictive analytics, intelligent trolleys cut down time in finding and accessing a cart significantly. With a few clicks, passengers can find, activate, and receive relevant travel information, thereby saving time, particularly during peak hours.

Zone Alerts

If a trolley is diverted from its assigned zone, airport staff are automatically alerted. This feature helps maintain a good number of trolleys in crucial zones and enhances baggage security.

How to use Smart Trolley at Rajiv Gandhi Airport?

• Get a smart trolley through the airport app or request airport staff.
• On the trolley screen, select “Start Now.”
• Scan your boarding pass or just enter your flight number.
• The screen will display the gate number, departure time, and nearby facilities
• Now you get to travel around the airport following directions on the screen.

Planning your travel to Hyderabad or any other destination in India? Check out Indian Eagle deals to save big on international airfares and fly smart. Indian Eagle is the most trusted travel-booking agency in America, with a proven record in booking the best flights to and from India for nearly 20 years.

Are smart trolleys available to all passengers at Hyderabad Airport?

Smart trolleys are made available for use free of charge to all international and domestic travelers at Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Do I require the Hyderabad Airport app to get access to a smart trolley?

The airport app helps to locate the nearest trolley. Or, you can approach the airport staff to get you a smart trolley. Besides, the airport ensures availability of these trolleys at key touchpoints, such as check-in points, security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates.

The post These Smart Trolleys with GPS System can Prevent Airport Wheelchair Misuse in India and Abroad first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post These Smart Trolleys with GPS System can Prevent Airport Wheelchair Misuse in India and Abroad appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

International travel is widely disrupted amid the current geopolitical crisis, after 4 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of flights got cancelled leaving lakhs of Americans stranded in the conflict-ridden Middle-East countries and other parts of Asia due to the airspace closures and restrictions. In such an unprecedented state of emergency abroad, US citizens and nationals (including those of Indian origin) can utilize the federal safety mechanism – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

What is US’ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free US government service for Americans abroad. It is recommended US citizens and nationals enroll for STEP before taking international flights to India, Europe, China, Australia, the Middle East, or any other country. The US STEP works like a support and safety instrument for Americans during health emergencies, natural disasters, and geopolitical crises abroad.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program benefits for Americans

• STEP helps you stay informed, connected and safe abroad
• It updates you on local situations in your residence or destination country
• It gives you alerts and notifications in the event of security issues abroad
• It helps the nearest US embassy or consulate to contact you
• It arranges possible rescue and repatriation for you in the worst case
• It also helps you with replacement of lost or stolen passport abroad

How to sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Registering for STEP is very simple and easy. You can sign up for this free federal service on Mytravel.state.gov or Login.gov. The entire process from new account sign-up to trip registration takes 10-15 minutes.

• First, you need to create a user account on Mytravel.state.gov or Login.gov
• To create an account, you fill in your personal details like name, contact information, US address
• Once the account is created, you need to log in and register your current or upcoming international travel
• To register international travel, you must provide certain details, like destination, trip duration, local accommodation, duration of stay at a place, purpose of travel, etc.
• The nearest US embassy or consulate to your local stay in the destination country

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the global travel industry to a standstill causing not only airspace shutdown but also border closure by mid-2020, the US Department of State launched special flights to repatriate Americans stranded across the world. Those with prior STEP registration were given priority for special flights back to the US then. We at IndianEagle.com, a leading travel tech company in the US, ran an awareness campaign on Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for the stranded Indian Americans in India when commercial civil operations were completely grounded.

The post US Citizens and Nationals Must Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before Going Abroad; Know Why first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post US Citizens and Nationals Must Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before Going Abroad; Know Why appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Once again, the Middle East airspace has become turbulent for international flights between the US and India, Europe and South Asia, East Asia and Africa, and Europe and Australia. It is not even a year since the Middle East conflict troubled international travel in June 2025. The escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions 2026 have shut down several major airports in the Middle East, except Istanbul Airport, with transit passengers from the US, India and other countries stuck inside terminals. The temporary closure of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha Hamad International airports is also affecting the US to India travel.

Airlines suspend flights amid Iran-Israel crisis

Ensuring passenger safety against the Iran-Israel tensions, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have temporarily suspended their operations, including connecting flights at their hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Passengers who were about to take connecting flights to their destinations via the Middle East got stranded due to the precautionary closure of the airspace. Some India-bound flights from the US got diverted to Oman before reaching Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Some US-bound flights from India via the Middle East got diverted to Munich, as per various reports.

• Qatar Airways: Since the Qatari airspace is closed, Qatar Airways flights remain suspended on March 2.
• Etihad Airways: Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi will mostly remain suspended on March 6. Passengers holding valid Etihad tickets booked on or before FEB 28 for travel within March 10, 2026 can reschedule their travel on Etihad-operated flights through March 30, 2026.
• Emirates: Emirates flights to and from Dubai continue to be suspended through March 6. Emirates is open to rebooking your travel on alternate flights up to 30 April 2026 if your travel is originally scheduled on or before 31 March 2026.

In response to the current geo-political conflict, Kuwait Airways has also suspended all inbound and outbound flights for the time being. +965-1802050 is Kuwait Airways’ WhatsApp customer service number for the affected passengers. Only Turkish Airlines seems to be operating US-India flights via Istanbul, since Istanbul International Airport is not as affected as other Middle East airports.

Air India to reroute flights to/from New York and Newark through Rome

Air India flights to the US, Canada, and Europe are not immune to the worsening Iran-Israel conflict. The Middle East airspace closure and its impact on the surrounding regions forced Air India to suspend 50 flights to the West (the US, the UK, and Frankfurt) for March 1, 2026. The suspension of AI flights between Amritsar and Birmingham, Delhi and Zurich, Delhi and Copenhagen, and Delhi and Birmingham, is extended to 2 March, 2026.

The latest Air India news is that flights to North America and Europe (except the above routes) will be operating from 2 March as per the schedule, but the airline will reportedly use alternate routings, thereby increasing the flying hours. The below Air India flights to New York JFK and Newark EWR will take technical halts in Rome (Fiumicino Airport) until the geopolitical situation improves.

• AI119 and AI116 flights between BOM and JFK (via Rome)
• AI191 and AI144 flights between BOM and EWR (via Rome)
• AI101 and AI102 flights between DEL and JFK (via Rome)

Air India is open to rescheduling flights booked on or before 28 FEB 2026 for travel up to 5 March 2026 without levying any fee.

Passengers scheduled to travel to India or USA are strongly advised to watch out for airlines’ alerts and advisories. Save airlines’ customer helpline and emergency contact numbers for updates on your travel scheduled over this weekend or the next week. If your Indian Eagle flights to India or USA are affected by the Middle East crisis and the airspace closure, contact Indian Eagle customer support for rescheduling and alternate options.

Airlines that avoid Middle East airspace to operate US-India flights

US-India flights via Europe are unaffected in the current geo-political situation. Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air avoid the Middle East airspace for their US-India service. Similarly, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific are safe airlines for travel between USA and India amid the Middle East tensions. If you are looking to travel in March, check out IndianEagle.com or call +1800-615-3969 for best phone-only deals of Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and European carriers.

General advice for those scheduled to travel later in March 2026

Don’t panic if your travel is at least one week away from now. Keep checking your flight PNR status every other day. Do act only if it shows cancelled on the airline website or you receive an alert or cancellation notification from the airline or the travel agency.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Here’s How Middle East Conflict Impacts Travel between USA and India: Flight Delays, Diversions, Cancelation appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Just the US where travelers can cancel flight tickets for free within 24 hours of booking, India opens a 48-hour window for free airline ticket cancellation and rescheduling. Also, the civil aviation watchdog – DGCA has issued new refund rules and timelines for airlines, effective 26 March 2026, aiming to make air travel more transparent and accessible for Indians. No more worries about airlines’ hefty cancellation fees and refund delays! But there are some conditions. This is part of Indian Aviation’s broader plans including preventive guidelines for wheelchair service misuse at airports.

DGCA rules in free 48-hour airline ticket cancellation 

Effective 26 March 2026, DGCA’s new air travel rules empower you to cancel flight tickets and amend the reservation within 48 hours of booking without paying the airline fee. This is a great relief for many travelers who paid the airline fee in thousands of rupees for cancelling refundable bookings or lost the entire value of non-refundable tickets due to unprecedented events, like medical emergency or death-like exigency in the family. 

The free 48-hour flight cancellation and amendment rule is subject to certain conditions: 

• If you change your travel dates or upgrade your reservation to a premium class within 48 hours of booking, the airline fee may not apply except a fare difference.
• International flight tickets for travel within 15 days from the booking date are not eligible for free cancellation and/or rescheduling.
• The 48-hour void window is close to domestic travelers with their flights scheduled within 7 days from the booking date. 

DGCA revises flight ticket refund rules for airlines 

Starting 26 March, 2026, airlines’ refund timeline will improve, according to the new DGCA rules. India’s aviation watchdog, DGCA requires cancellation charges and refund amounts to be disclosed to passengers fairly and unambiguously at the time of booking flight tickets. It is a mandate for airlines to maintain absolute transparency about ticket cancellation fees and refund amounts through their contracts with travel agents and air-ticketing portals.          

• Airlines are directed to release refunds within 7 days of cancellation for flight tickets purchased through credit cards.
• Airlines should ensure that the refund timeline does not exceed 14 working days for flight tickets purchased from a travel-booking company like IndianEagle.com.
• Airlines shall not hold the refund amount in the form of a credit by default. The passenger’s consent must be obtained before airlines issue the refund in the form of a credit voucher.  
• DGCA’s new refund rules for airlines clearly state that all statutory taxes, user development fee (UDF)/airport development fee (ADF), and/or passenger service fee (PSF) must be refunded.
• Airlines must comply with the updated refund guidelines, irrespective of fare types, including promos, discounted fares, special fares, and tickets with non-refundable basic fares.        

Free name corrections in flight tickets

A 24-hour window for free name corrections in domestic and international flight tickets will also open for Indians, starting 26 March 2026. Misspellings of traveler names are not uncommon during a flight discount offer when cheap airline deals are booked in a hurry. Though subject to your identity verification by airlines, your misspelt name would be corrected within 24 hours of booking travel, without the airline fee for passenger name correction.

Also Check: A Guide on Major Airlines’ Policy for Passenger Name Correction 

Do 48-hour free airline ticket changes to US-India itineraries?

Most probably, no. DGCA India’s free 48-hour cancellation policy is valid for itineraries, one way or round trip, originating in India.

The post DGCA India Rules in Free 48-hour Cancellation and New Refund Timeline for Airline Tickets first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post DGCA India Rules in Free 48-hour Cancellation and New Refund Timeline for Airline Tickets appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.