Flying in India is getting costlier, and passengers may now have to dig deeper into their pockets for some of the services that come with a flight. IndiGo, country’s largest airline, has revised its add-on fees in 2026, raising charges for excess baggage, infant travel, unaccompanied minors, and Fast Forward (priority boarding service). With a fleet of over 430 planes, the airline operates nearly 2,200 daily flights. Check below for the Indigo 2026 increased fees for several ancillary services.

IndiGo new charges 2026:

• Infant travel fee: The domestic infant fee has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, a 50% rise. The charge applies to infants below 2 years, who travel on an accompanying adult’s lap without a separate seat.

• Unaccompanied minor service: The fee for children travelling without an accompanying adult has gone up from ₹5,000 to ₹5,999 on domestic flights. For international travel, the service now costs ₹12,999.

• Excess baggage: Passengers carrying baggage beyond the permitted allowance will now pay ₹800 per extra kg at the airport, compared with ₹700 earlier.

• Fast Forward: IndiGo’s priority check-in and boarding service now costs ₹650 per passenger per sector on domestic flights, up from ₹500. The charge for international flights is ₹850 per sector.

• Travel certificate: The airline has also raised the cost of a travel certificate to ₹300, up from ₹200.

The post IndiGo Fees Hike for Infant Travel, Excess Baggage, Unaccompanied Minors first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post IndiGo Fees Hike for Infant Travel, Excess Baggage, Unaccompanied Minors appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

India’s digital ecosystem is evolving and expanding for 36 million overseas Indians. After such remarkable developments as Digital OCI Card and e-Arrival Card for Indian-origin foreign citizens, the Government of India is working to make Aadhaar international for the diaspora. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) aims to connect the growing diaspora population to India’s digital ecosystem.

Aadhaar to go global for NRIs and OCIs

At the Global Fintech Fest 2026, UIDAI CEO Saurabh Vijay revealed that the authority is working on the legal framework for international Aadhaar. It is also developing policies to make Aadhaar available to OCI cardholders without the compulsory 182-day stay requirement in India, aiming to help them stay better connected to India’s digital and financial ecosystem for greater investments in the country.

Current Aadhaar rules for NRIs and OCI cardholders

Before wondering what changes global Aadhaar could make, it is important to understand the Aadhaar rules that apply today. An NRI with a valid Indian passport can apply for Aadhaar, and the 182-day residency condition does not apply to them. However, the enrolment process still requires an in-person visit to an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre in India.

For OCI cardholders, the rules are different. An OCI cardholder can currently enroll for Aadhaar as a resident foreign national after residing in India for at least 182 days in the 12 months immediately before applying. The applicant needs the required OCI and foreign passport documents along with applicable address proof.

Current limitations of Aadhaar for overseas Indians

Having an Aadhaar number does not currently mean that NRIs and OCI Cardholders can use Aadhaar Card from abroad in the same way a resident Indian can do in India. Aadhaar is primarily designed around India’s domestic digital identity and authentication ecosystem, so its use becomes more limited when you access Indian services while you are living or traveling outside the country.

• To apply for Aadhaar, overseas Indians currently need to travel to India and visit an Aadhaar Kendra for physical enrolment and biometric submission.
• UIDAI currently does not support international or non-Indian mobile numbers for Aadhaar. Overseas applicants must have an Indian phone number.
• OCI cardholders currently need to provide an Indian address proof when enrolling for Aadhaar.
• You cannot expect Aadhaar-based authentication to work abroad the same way it does within India for all participating services.
• Aadhaar does not currently work as a universal digital KYC mechanism for overseas Indians’ access to Indian banking or other financial services. Individual banks and institutions continue to follow their own verification requirements.
• Aadhaar does not currently provide a single cross-border identity layer for accessing Indian tax, investment, and other services from overseas. The applicable PAN, KYC, tax and regulatory requirements continue to apply separately.

Potential benefits of global Aadhaar for overseas Indians

If Aadhaar becomes internationally interoperable, it could make Aadhaar-based identity verification much easier for both NRIs and OCI cardholders in the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia.

• Hassle-free identity verification: NRIs and OCIs could potentially verify their identity digitally when dealing with Indian institutions, reducing the need to repeatedly provide multiple documents.
• Easier banking and KYC from overseas: A globally accessible Aadhaar system could make remote KYC and identity verification more convenient for NRIs managing Indian bank accounts and other financial services from abroad.
• Easier investment in India for OCIs: OCI cardholders living overseas could potentially have a simpler digital identity process when investing in Indian financial products or dealing with participating investment institutions.
• Seamless property-related transactions: Once Aadhaar goes global, it could potentially simplify identity verification for NRIs and OCIs handling property purchases, sales or other property-related transactions in India from abroad.
• Less dependence on physical presence in India: Aadhaar-based digital authentication could reduce the need to travel to India solely for certain identity verification or documentation-related processes, wherever remote services are permitted.
• Better access to India’s digital services: Overall, global Aadhaar could make India’s growing digital ecosystem more accessible to Indian expats even when they are abroad.

Can we submit biometrics for Aadhaar enrolment at an Indian Embassy or Consulate in the future?

Maybe, you can. It is too early to confirm this. Whether the upcoming global Aadhaar system would enable you to give your biometrics at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate without requiring you to visit India, depends on the polity that UIDAI is currently working on. Keep an eye on further updates.

This news article is brought to you by Travel Beats, the Indian Eagle blog for travel news, diaspora stories, travel hacks, stopover guides, and international visa updates. Indian Eagle is the most trusted air-ticketing partner of major airlines and travel-booking partner of overseas Indians. Call +1800-615-3969 for Indian Eagle’s unbeatable phone-only flight deals for winter holiday trips to India.

The post Aadhaar to Go Global for 36 Million Indians Abroad: What NRIs and OCIs Need to Know first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Aadhaar to Go Global for 36 Million Indians Abroad: What NRIs and OCIs Need to Know appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Not many travelers know that flying with Singapore Airlines entitles you to a host of free facilities and services – which makes long-haul journeys more comfortable. Available at request, these free things among Singapore Airlines benefits are in addition to some usual perks and freebies, like free snacks between two meals, free blankets, free playing cards, and free hot towels. No wonder why Singapore Airlines is often named among the few best international airlines in the world.

Singapore Airlines free facilities and services

• Unlimited free Wi-Fi
• Inflight birthday celebration
• Guided Singapore tours
• Meet and Assist service
• Wheelchair assistance 

Free Inflight Wi-Fi 

Free things on Singapore Airlines flights include complimentary inflight Wi-Fi across the airline’s fleet and network. Unlike Air India’s paid Wi-Fi plans, SQ Airlines’ Wi-Fi is free for KrisFlyer members among Economy and Premium Economy passengers other than all First Class and Business Class guests. Whether you do WhatsApp chat or internet browsing, you can fly connected without buying a W-Fi plan onboard.

Free Meet and Assist Service 

Singapore airlines free facilities include meet and assist service on ground for the unaccompanied elderly, parents flying with infants, and passengers with cognitive disabilities. This complimentary service is one of the 10 reasons to fly with Singapore Airlines even at premium fares. A dedicated team helps eligible travelers navigate the terminal, complete check-in formalities, make flight connections smoothly in transit, etc. SQ Airlines’ free meet and assist service must be requested in advance.          

Free Wheelchair Assistance

Free services you can ask for while flying with Singapore Airlines, include wheelchair assistance. If either or both of your parents genuinely need a wheelchair on ground, you can request this special service without having to pay a bill. Wheelchair assistance is provided at the airline counters for hassle-free transfer from check-in to boarding, and from disembarkation to the arrival hall. You can request this service at least 48 hours before departure.

Free Birthday Cake onboard 

Flying around your birthday? Singapore Airlines celebrates you onboard with a complimentary birthday cake, sometimes along with a greeting card and a drink, irrespective of your travel class and fare type. Among Singapore Airlines freebies, this comes with a few conditions:

• Frist Class and Business travelers: Travel date within 3 days of your birthday, minimum flight duration of 90 minutes
• Premium Economy or Economy travelers: Travel date within 24 hours of your birthday, minimum flight duration of 3.5 hours
• The airline takes requests for the cake at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight.

If Indian Eagle is your travel-booking partner, you can contact our customer helpline +1800-615-3969 to request a complimentary cake for your birthday celebration aboard Singapore Airlines.

Free Singapore tours during Changi Airport layover 

A layover with Singapore Airlines rarely feels like dead time. The Free Singapore Tour Program, a joint initiative by Changi Airport Group, Singapore Airlines, and the Singapore Tourism Board, is open to transit passengers with a layover between 5.5 and 24 hours. Recent additions to the program include a guided tour of Sentosa Island, River and Marina Bay Sands Tour, Singapore Heritage and Culture Tour, and more. Each tour runs for about 2.5 hours. Walk-in registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it’s best to book online in advance.

IndianEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Singapore Airlines and other major carriers, offers the best flight deals for USA, India, Singapore, Nepal, and the Middle East. You can grab Indian Eagle’s phone-only deals cheaper than regular online fares by calling +1800-615-3969.

Free things to do at Changi international airport

Even if your layover doesn’t stretch long enough for the Free Singapore Tour, Changi Airport itself has plenty to keep you entertained, all without spending a dollar or a rupee.

• Free 24-hour movie theatre: Changi has its own cinema, open round the clock in Terminal 3, screening a rotating selection of films at no cost.
• Butterfly Garden: Set in Terminal 3, this garden features a real six-meter waterfall surrounded by over 1,000 live butterflies fluttering through lush greenery.
• The Wonderfall: A striking 14-metre digital waterfall in Terminal 2’s departure hall, set amid vertical gardens with immersive light, sound, and an original musical score.
• Dreamscape: An indoor garden in Terminal 2 with 20,000 plants, set beneath a digital sky that changes with the time of day.
• Sunflower Garden: A rooftop garden with fields of blooming sunflowers and open views of the airfield, a relaxing spot to unwind between flights.

FAQs

Can I get a free birthday cake in Economy Class?

Yes, but the eligibility window is tighter for Economy passengers than in premium cabins. Your travel date must fall within 1 day of your birthday, and the flight must be at least 3.5 hours long.

Is Wi-Fi free on Singapore Airlines flights?

Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi is available to KrisFlyer members across all cabin classes.

I booked Singapore Airlines tickets from Indian Eagle. Should I contact Indian Eagle to book the airline’s free meet and assist service for my family?

You can contact your travel-booking partner Indian Eagle’s customer support team any time and get your request for the airline’s meet & assist service placed. However, confirmation is subject to the service availability on your travel dates and approval by the airline.

The post Flying Singapore Airlines? Free Facilities & Services You can Request during Long-Haul Journey first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Flying Singapore Airlines? Free Facilities & Services You can Request during Long-Haul Journey appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

Route, demand, seat availability, and travel time of the year influence international flight pricing dynamics. When airline fares drop or go up does also depend on intermittent geopolitical issues, as seen in the aftermath and during the peak of the West Asia conflict 2026. While these factors are external and unavoidable, the cheapest days to fly from USA to India in 2026 are still under your control because it depends on when you travel.

Airlines keep adjusting flight ticket prices to their inventory of seats and the real-time demand. It makes USA to India flight deals volatile on any day of the week. Yet, when it comes to traveling internationally, flying mid-week is usually cheaper than flying on weekends, according to several reports. Both the best days to book airline tickets and the cheapest days to travel help you with airfare savings.

Cheapest days to fly in 2026, USA to India and other countries

Stats from various sources, including Indian Eagle’s in-house fare data analysis, count Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as the cheapest days to travel, as business and leisure travel has lower demand for midweek flights. Some airlines and some routes have the best deals for Friday departures compared to weekend travel. For instance, Boston to New Delhi flights are much cheaper than JFK to DEL fares for mid-week or Friday travel. The most expensive days for international travel are Saturdays and Sundays. Most of the below fares are for midweek travel, evidencing the fact that midweek flights are comparatively cheaper.

A few cheapest flight deals for US-India round trips in 2026

Round-trip Fare: $894

• Dates: Onward (THU) 26 NOV | Return (MON) 14 DEC 2026
• Route: NY JFK to Mumbai BOM
• Airline: Etihad (EY)

Round-trip Fare: $907

• Dates: Onward (MON) 9 NOV | Return (WED) 23 DEC 2026
• Route: D.C. IAD to DEL
• Airline: Qatar Airways (QR)

Round-trip Fare: $931

• Dates: Onward (THU) 19 NOV | Return (MON) 21 DEC 2026
• Route: SFO to Mumbai BOM
• Airline: Air India (AI)

Round-trip Fare: $944

• Dates: Onward (WED) 2 DEC | Return (THU) 14 JAN 2027
• Route: Newark EWR to BOM
• Airline: Emirates (EK)

Round-trip Fare: $936

• Dates: Onward (SUN) 22 NOV |Return (WED) 20 JAN 2027
• Route: D.C. IAD to Hyderabad
• Airline: Etihad (EY)

Round-trip Fare: $958

• Dates: Onward (TUE) 1 DEC | Return (THU) 14 JAN 2027
• Route: Boston to Mumbai
• Airline: Emirates (EK)

Round-trip Fare: $1098

• Dates: Onward (SAT) 28 NOV | Return (THU) 17 DEC 2026
• Route: SFO to Delhi
• Airline: Air India (AI)

What matters more than cheapest days of the week to fly

How early you book international fight tickets matters more than when you fly during winter holidays 2026. Even the cheapest deals for Tuesday or Wednesday travel change with the passing of days. The nearer your travel dates are, the higher the fares are. The lesser the seat availability, the more the fare. These pricing dynamics are not myths in civil aviation. Even the above Indian Eagle deals available for booking now – may not be available the next week or month.

Early travel planning has certain benefits:

• You can access plenty of best live flight deals online and offline
• You have freedom of time to compare fares as many as possible
• You have better chances to get your preferred seat (s) available
• You get ample time to check and arrange all travel documents
• You can cancel tickets and rebook travel at the best fares (if necessary)

Indian Eagle Discount Coupon: 2026 Ganesh Chaturthi

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, your trusted air-ticketing and travel-booking partner Indian Eagle offers fare discount coupons, GANESHTB26, from September 12 to 18, 2026. You can redeem the coupon to get a flat $25 OFF on select flights from USA to India and beyond, irrespective of airlines, routes, trip types, and travel class.

• Booking Period: September 12 to 18, 2026 (CST hours)
• Travel Period: Any time in 2026 or 2027
• Valid for only direct online bookings at IndianEagle.com
• Valid for one-way travel, round-trip, and multi-city bookings
• Valid for international flights originating in the US
• Valid on also Eagle Deals available on Indian Eagle website
• The Indian Eagle discount coupon, GANESHTB26, is transferable. You can share it with your friends in USA.

How early should you book flight tickets    

Do neither book too far in advance nor too close to travel dates. Two to four months in advance for international travel is the best time to book flight tickets from USA to India and other countries. Given that, this is the ideal time to explore and book unbeatable flight deals for a winter holiday trip in late November or early December 2026. You may get some best deals in October too, but your preferred seat (s) has no guaranteed availability.

The post Cheapest Days to Fly from USA to India in 2026; A List of Winter Travel Dates with Best Deals first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Cheapest Days to Fly from USA to India in 2026; A List of Winter Travel Dates with Best Deals appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

US Passport renewal would be a lot easier and convenient during your travel or stay abroad, as the US State Department has proposed a rule change for American citizens outside the country. Currently, the in-person renewal process is a cumbersome experience for US citizens abroad. The proposal aims to make it easier, faster and cheaper to get a new US passport while you are in India, Canada, Europe, or any other part of the world.

US Passport renewals to go online abroad: Key benefits 

On August 28, the Federal Register posted the State Department’s proposal – “Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas”. The convenience of online passport renewal would soon extend to Americans living or traveling abroad. The online process would eliminate in-person visits to a US Embassy or Consulate and make it less expensive for American expats. Currently, the ease of getting a new passport online is limited to Americans who are physically present in the US while applying for renewal.

“The proposed rule change to US passport renewals abroad is good for OCI Cardholders when they stay in India for a long time. Many elderly OCI Cardholders from the US retire and stay in India for an indefinite period of time. The online process would enable them to renew their US Passport from India easily,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats, the Indian Eagle blog for international travel news, US immigration, air travel guides, and NRI stories.

Current passport renewal process outside USA 

Unless the passport renewal process goes online for American expats in foreign countries, the US Embassies and Consulates continue to bar them from making online renewal applications. US Missions repeatedly warn, “Online passport renewal is not for US citizens overseas, and your current US passport would automatically become invalid for travel if the domestic online system is used for renewal abroad.”

Current process to renew US passports in India

Currently, US Passport holders in India can mail in their renewal application or drop it off at the US Embassy in New Delhi, or a Consulate in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Chennai. While in India, they don’t have the privilege of using the domestic Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system which is exclusively for Americans located in the US states and territories.

You can go for the mail-in renewal process via Form DS-82, if you were 16-years-old or older when your US passport was issued within the last 15 years.

• Visit the official state department website and fill out Form DS-82 online
• Print out the completed form. Sign and date it properly.
• Visit the US Government’s Pay.gov portal and pay the adult passport book fee online
• Check your email inbox for payment confirmation and print it
• Put all required documents into the application envelope
• Courier the envelope to the US Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate

An in-person visit (with prior appointment) to the US Embassy or Consulates in India is mandatory for American citizens to get their first adult passport during renewal outside the US. If the previous passport is damaged, lost, or stolen, the renewal process starts with an in-person appointment in India. The current US passport renewal process abroad takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Sign up to Travel Beats, a leading US-India community portal for everything from transit visa to travel hacks, baggage allowance, transit stopover guides, and upcoming flights to India. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of NRIs and OCI cardholders for cheapest phone-only deals and international flight tickets to India, USA, UAE, Singapore, Australia, and Canada.

The post New Proposed Rule to Allow Online US passport Renewal for US Citizens Abroad first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post New Proposed Rule to Allow Online US passport Renewal for US Citizens Abroad appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

With Ganesh Chaturthi, the homecoming of Hindu gods and goddesses starts every year. Be it Marathas, Telugus, or Gujaratis, Indians welcome Ganesh Bappa with great pomp even in America. Their enthusiasm for festivities and appetite for divine bliss does not abate with geographies. Evidently, Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations in the USA are no exception. From traditional temple rituals to public Ganesh Utsav events, Indians celebrate it with beats of dhol-tasha, mirth of music, cultural programs, and of course, delicious food.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in USA? 

Ganesh Utsav in USA will be celebrated on 14 September 2026, as in India. Indian Diaspora from Washington DC to Seattle, from Chicago to Dallas, from New York to the Bay Area are making grand preparations to welcome their favorite Bappa. Everyone from different age groups will be chanting – Ganpati Bappa Mourya. Travel Beats, the Indian Eagle blog, curates the best Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 USA celebrations for you.

When to do Ganesh puja in US cities this Ganesh Chaturthi 2026

The shubh muhurat for Ganesh sthapana and puja in USA varies with different time zones. Even US cities in the same time zone have slightly different timings for Ganesh Chaturthi puja, because the muhurat depends on the city’s astronomical sunrise/sunset. Usually, Indians follow the madhyahna Ganesh puja muhurat, according to local Panchang calculations. Four US time zones have the below Ganesh puja muhurat on September 14:        

Eastern Time (ET): 11:35 AM–2:05 PM
Central Time (CT): 12:03 PM–2:31 PM
Mountain Time (MT): Around noon–2:30 PM
Pacific Time PT): Around 11:30 AM–2:20 PM

Here’s a city-specific list of Ganesh 2026 puja timings in USA

• Boston, MA: 11:24 AM – 1:55 PM ET
• New York City: 11:36 AM – 2:06 PM ET
• Newark, NJ: 11:35 AM – 2:05 PM ET
• Philadelphia: 11:38 AM – 2:08 PM ET
• Washington DC: 11:48 AM – 2:18 PM ET
• Atlanta, GA: 12:18 PM – 2:47 PM ET
• Miami, FL: 12:02 PM – 2:30 PM ET
• Chicago, IL: 11:31 AM – 2:01 PM CT
• Dallas, TX: 12:08 PM – 2:37 PM CT
• Houston, TX: 12:03 PM – 2:31 PM CT
• Nashville, TN: 11:26 AM – 1:56 PM CT
• Denver, CO: 11:40 AM – 2:10 PM, MT
• Salt Lake City, UT: 11:48 AM – 2:18 PM MT
• Phoenix, AZ: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM MST
• Los Angeles: ≈11:34 AM – 2:03 PM PT
• San Francisco: 11:50 AM – 2:20 PM PT
• Seattle, WA: 11:28 AM – 1:58 PM PT

Maryland Siddhivinayak Temple Ganesh Utsav 

Located in Glen Burnie, Siddhivinayak Temple will celebrate 10 days of Ganapati Utsav in September 2026. You can attend the temple’s Ganesh Chaturthi festivities with your family and participate in devotional activities. 

• Dates: 14-25 September 2026
• Venue: Siddhivinayak Temple, 1003 Stewart Lane NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
• Contact: siddhivinaayak.org | 410-766-1003

Baltimore 2026 Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration 

Baltimore Marathi Mandal will bring Indian families together for a day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in the USA. The family-friendly gathering will offer children an opportunity to experience Maharashtra’s traditions and connect with their cultural roots. 

• Date: 13 September 2026
• Venue: Greater Baltimore Hindu-Jain Temple, 2909 Bloom Road, Finksburg, MD 21048
• Contact: Baltimore Hindu-Jain Temple | 443-812-1548

Virginia Ganesha Utsav 2026 

Devotion meets creativity at Virginia Ganesha Utsav 2026. Hosted by Saanwee Performing Arts, the celebration will bring families together for traditional rituals, live student performances, festive photo spots and hands-on activities. The festive event is ticketed at $15 per person. 

• Date: 14 September 2026
• Venue: Saanwee Studio, South Riding, VA
• Contact: +1 (703) 201-2683 | info@saanwee.com

Marathi Kala Mandal Ganeshotsav, Virginia  

The beats of Dhol-Tasha and Lezim will add a Maharashtrian touch to Ganesh Chaturthi in Virginia. Organized by the Marathi Kala Mandal of Washington DC, Ganeshotsav 2026 will bring families together for cultural performances, traditional celebrations, and Maharashtrian food. 

• Date: 19 September 2026 | 9 AM–6 PM
• Venue: Rock Ridge High School, 43460 Loudoun Reserve Dr, Ashburn, VA 20148
• Contact: www.marathi.com/event/ganeshotsav-2026/

America Ka Raja Ganesh Utsav 2026 New Jersey 

America Ka Raja is returning to New Jersey as one of the biggest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the USA. Presented by 1946, the weeklong Ganapati Utsav draws more than 100,000 devotees every year and brings together faith, culture, music, food, and community spirit. 

• Dates: 14–20 September 2026
• Venue: 250 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
• Contact: www.ganeshafestival.com | +1 732-316-1947

New Jersey India Square Ganesh Festival 2026 

New Jersey India Square comes alive with the foot-tapping beats of dhol-tasha during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The week-long New Jersey Ganesh Festival will bring you music, dance, cultural performances and Indian food, creating a lively community celebration for devotees and families.

• Dates: 14-20 September 2026
• Venue: India Square, 792–94 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
• Contact: ganeshfestivalusa.org | 1-201-855-9533

New Jersey India Square Ganesh Festival 2026 

New Jersey India Square comes alive with the foot-tapping beats of dhol-tasha during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The week-long New Jersey Ganesh Festival will bring you music, dance, cultural performances and Indian food, creating a lively community celebration for devotees and families.

• Dates: 14-20 September 2026
• Venue: India Square, 792–94 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
• Contact: ganeshfestivalusa.org | 1-201-855-9533

New York Broome Street Ganesh Chaturthi 

Ganesh Chaturthi will bring five days of divine bliss to Manhattan’s Broome Street Ganesh Temple. You and your family can join the temple’s festive celebrations and experience the spiritual Ganesh Chaturthi in New York in the heart of the city. 

• Dates: 10-14 September 2026
• Venue: 430 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
• Contact: broomestreetganesh.org

Westchester Marathi Mandal Ganesh Utsav, New York 

Bring your family, meet the community, and celebrate the spirit of Ganesh Utsav in Yonkers. Hosted by the Westchester Marathi Mandal, this one-day celebration will feature Ganesh Pooja, cultural programs, and a community meet-and-greet. The event is RSVP-only, so registration is required.

• Date: 19 September 2026
• Venue: Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710
• Contact: eventbrite.com/e/wmm-ganesh-utsav-2026-tickets-1994102964647

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in Austin, Texas 

The beats of dhol will invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha in Austin, Texas this September. Presented by Austin Dhol Rhythms, this festive evening will bring Indians together for devotion, music, dance, and cultural celebrations with family and friends. The event is ticketed, with prices starting at $10.   

• Date: 12 September 2026
• Venue: 8220 183A Toll Rd, Leander, TX 78641
• Contact: 531-777-6903 | austindholrhythms@gmail.com

Maha Ganesh Utsav in Newark, California 

Newark will come alive with three days of Ganesh Utsav celebrations this September. Presented by Radio Zindagi, the festival will feature Lezim, Dhol-Tasha, cultural performances and a dedicated kids’ zone, making it a great family-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi event in the Bay Area. 

• Dates: 11-13 September 2026
• Venue: New Park Mall, Newark, CA
• Contact: Radiozindagi.com/ganeshutsav | 510-565-9518 

California CVMM Grand Ganesh Utsav, Mountain House 

Ganesh Utsav returns to Mountain House with devotion, culture and the powerful beats of Dhol Tasha. The Central Valley Marathi Mandal (CVMM) will host its 3rd annual celebration, with Bappa Darshan, Aarti, cultural performances, shopping and food stalls throughout the day. The free event is open to all. 

• Date: 19 September 2026 | 11 AM–8 PM
• Venue: Central Park, Mountain House, CA
• Contact: 408-203-3251 | cvmm@cvmarathimandal.org

BICS Dublin Ganesh Chaturthi Mela 2026, California 

California’s Indians in Dublin are set to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 with a vibrant Indian mela. Presented by the Bay Area Indian Cultural Society (BICS), this free community event will bring together music, culture, Indian food, and shopping, giving you an irresistible way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in California with family and friends. 

• Date: 20 September 2026
• Venue: Emerald Glen Park, Dublin, CA
• Contact: bicsca.org | +1 (925)-365-8066

EBMM Shri Ganapati Utsav 2026, California 

Pleasanton will echo with music, Lezim and Dhol-Tasha as East Bay Marathi Mandal (EBMM) celebrates Shri Ganapati Utsav. The family-friendly gathering in California will feature local artists, EBMM Samooh Gaan’s Anand Asha Sumananjali, traditional Modak prasad, a special lunch from Annapurna Restaurant and afternoon tea. 

• Date: 20 September 2026
• Venue: Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Ave, Pleasanton, CA
• Contact: www.ebmm.org | samiti@ebmm.org

The post Where to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in USA: Date, Puja Timing, Events, Venues first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Where to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 in USA: Date, Puja Timing, Events, Venues appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The US aviation is back to the pe-9/11 era. The TSA is unrestricting airport terminals to let non-travelers enter the secure areas, such as boarding, retail shopping, and dining, without boarding passes or flight tickets. The new TSA program 2026 is Gateside by TSA PreCheck launched at 13 US airports, including Dallas DFW, Detroit DTW, and Los Angeles LAX. TSA Gateside is the pass for eligible non-flyers to access PreCheck lanes, get past security, and see off or welcome family and friends.

What is Gateside TSA PreCheck program? 

Gateside is the TSA’s latest US airport security rule change starting in September 2026. Unlike airport guest passes or airport escort gate passes, the Gateside pilot program is limited to TSA PreCheck members and those with Global Entry membership. It works through the TSA’s own airport security infrastructure, meaning approved non-ticketed visitors use the same dedicated PreCheck lanes like ticketed passengers. There’s no general screening line for them.

“The TSA strives to make air travel easier through its passenger-friendly programs. It ended the mandatory shoe removal rule, started the Families on the Fly program, expanded TSA Cares, and launched a pilot trial of self-service e-Gates at select airports. Not everyone can accompany their traveling family or parents from departure to destination. Walking them to the boarding gate before seeing off is that feeling of comfort and assurance that we long for other than booking the best international flights for them,” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

Who are eligible for TSA Gateside Pass? 

Not every non-traveler can get TSA Gateside passes. Since it is built entirely around the TSA’s own trusted traveler network, you must have TSA PreCheck membership or a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through a trusted traveler program like Global Entry. Other than them, certain federal employees may qualify for the new TSA program.

How to apply for TSA PreCheck Gateside  

Applying for Gateside is entirely online, and timing matters. There is no offline or in-person application option before your visit. Everything runs through TSA’s own digital portal.

• Sign in or register: Create a Login.gov account, or sign in if you already have one.
• Apply early: Submit your request 1 to 3 days before your planned visit — not sooner, not later.
• Enter your details: Provide your KTN, full name, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your trusted traveler enrolment.
• Add children, if any: Use the “add visitor” option to include kids in your application.
• Check for approval: Approval doesn’t come instantly, so get back to the portal to check the booking status before you head out.

Also Check: US Passport Renewal News for Americans Abroad

List of US airports with TSA PreCheck Gateside 

• Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), Arizona
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Ohio
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Kansas
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Arkansas
• Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City (OKC), Oklahoma
• Eppley Airfield, Omaha, Nebraska
• San Diego International Airport (SAN), California
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah

What are TSA Gateside rules and limitations?

• Passes are valid for one calendar day only, with re-entry allowed
• Daily approval caps apply, and TSA hasn’t disclosed exact numbers
• A Gateside pass does not permit boarding a flight
• Standard TSA screening and airport code of conduct still apply

Is there any fee for TSA Gateside Pass? 

Unlike other TSA programs, the new Gateside Pass is completely free for US citizens, non-citizens, and visa holders. You can enter the airport terminal for free and see off your family or receive them within the secure area.

Is TSA Gateside available at JFK, BOS, SEA-TAC, O’Hare, Atlanta, and DC IAD airport?

Not as of today. This new airport entry program currently runs at select 13 US airports (mentioned above). Gateside will expand to other major airports in the coming months in 2026. Travel Beats, the Indian Eagle blog, will update this article accordingly.

TSA offers Gateside Pass for LAX and San Diego airports. Why not for SFO Airport?

The Gateside Pass will roll out at SFO Airport in the next phase (anytime in 2026). Yet, you can enter SFO Airport terminals and go past TSA security using the SFO Gate Explorer Pass. It is San Francisco International Airport’s own visitor pass program launched in April 2026. In case TSA falls short of Gateside passes for San Diego Airport, or you are not able to secure one for a particular day, you can apply for San Diego International Airport’s SAN Visitor Pass launched in November 2025.

The post TSA Launches Gateside Pass Allowing Non-Flyers at US Airports; All about New TSA Rule Change first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post TSA Launches Gateside Pass Allowing Non-Flyers at US Airports; All about New TSA Rule Change appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

From universities to conglomerates to government agencies, the American C-suite continues to tap into the talent and brilliance of Indian origin for growth and expansion. Despite the ongoing rant against Indian immigrants to make American great again (MAGA), Adobe Inc. bets on another Indian American to succeed Shantanu Narayen who stepped from Adobe’s CEO role after 18 years. Adobe’s new CEO and President is Anil Chakravarthy. He will take over the reign from Shantanu Narayen on 1 December 2026, while the latter will take up the role of executive chair.

All about new Adobe CEO Anil Chakravarthy 

Anil Chakravarthy is a global professional with 6 years of leadership experience at Adobe in San Jose, California. In January 2020, he joined Adobe as executive vice president and general manager for Adobe’s Digital Experience business. In 2021, he helmed the additional responsibility of catering to enterprise-level customers across a spectrum of Adobe products in both productivity and creativity portfolios – which earned him promotion to Adobe’s President of digital experience and worldwide field operations.

Anil Chakravarthy’s salary at Adobe 

At Adobe, Anil Chakravarthy received a compensation about $17.79 million (including cash and equity) in 2025 as President of Digital Experience and worldwide field operations. His total compensation was about $17 million in 2024 and $15.08 million in 2023. No information is yet available on his salary as Adobe’s next CEO and President. Whether Anil Chakravarthy’s pay hike would match the compensation of Adobe’s outgoing CEO Shantanu Narayen, it is subject to speculations. $51.17 million was Shantanu Narayen’s total compensation in 2025, according to several reports.

Anil Chakravarthy’s journey from BHU to MIT 

He ticks all the boxes to be a tech CEO in America’s Silicon Valley, like Snowflake Inc. CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy and CEO and Vanguard Group CEO Salim Ramji. Anil Chakravarthy’s journey from Bengaluru to Adobe’s headquarters is a great milestone in itself, given his academic profile, skill portfolio, and decades of experience. He grew up in Bengaluru and studied Computer Science & Engineering at IIT-BHU (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi. Thereafter, he moved to the US for an ‘American Dream’ career. MIT was his next destination for MS and PhD.

Why Adobe chose Anil Chakravarthy over David Wadhwani?

Other than Shantanu Narayen, David Wadhwani has been key to the success of Adobe’s Creativity and Productivity business as its President in two separate tenures. He was a strong contender for Adobe’s CEO position. As he announced his exit from Adobe, Anil Chakravarthy stepped into the C-suite. The leadership change happened in Adobe’s C-suite amid the mounting pressure of AI technology on the photoshop and illustrator maker’s revenues and shares. As CEO and President, Anil is expected to steer Adobe through AI-driven competition from its rivals and the emerging competitors with disruptive business models.

The post Adobe’s Global CEO & President Anil Chakravarthy Succeeds Shantanu Narayen; His Salary, Career first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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The immigration rules for Green Card holders and US visa holders have a new update every other day. Other than the Green Card wait time being stretched up to 179 years for H1B visa professionals, the new change to Form I-864 has raised a new wave of concerns in the US. The updated Form I-864 makes Green Card sponsors’ credit information easily accessible, thereby putting their finances and assets under scrutiny, effective August 31, 2026.

What is the latest Green Card news?

USCIS has revised Form I-864 that US citizens and immigrants use as the Affidavit of Support to sponsor immediate family members for a Green Card. USCIS started accepting the new Form I-864 for applications made on or after August 31, 2026. No grace period for the previous edition. The revised form comes with a privacy release that USCIS can use at its discretion to seek Green Card sponsors’ credit information from consumer reporting agencies.

Use of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support 

Form I-864 helps USCIS officers assess your financial capacity to support a family member whom you sponsor for a Green Card and whether the sponsored member would come under the public charge rule. The updated form tightens the Green Card sponsorship process. Privacy Release, a new addition to the form, authorizes USCIS to directly get insights on your credit history and dig more into your financial capacity. Precisely, your credit-related information will now determine whether you can sponsor a family member for lawful permanent residence in USA.

Who new Form I-864 with Privacy Release impacts

Privacy Release being a key change in Form I-864, sponsors with a credit freeze are likely to take a hit from the new Green Card rule. A credit freeze with credit-reporting agencies helps consumers prevent the opening of unauthorized accounts in their name. However, it does not erase their credit history. “If sponsors have a credit or security freeze on their consumer or credit reports, USCIS may not be able to access the financial information that they need to evaluate a sponsor’s eligibility as per Form I-864. To avoid facing a delay or rejection, sponsors should act immediately to remove a credit or security freeze,” said the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA).

What credit score Green Card sponsors require

In the 24 August 2026 revision of Form I-864, USCIS has not ruled in a credit score threshold for Green Card sponsorship in the family-based category. Neither minimum nor maximum credit score has been specified, according to immigration experts. There is yet no clarity what disqualifying aspects USCIS would derive from a sponsor’s credit-related information. Whether a previous bankruptcy or a missed payment would be treated as a disqualifier – is yet unknown. Immigration attorneys are trying to know how USCIS will use the credit-related insights that it can now directly obtain from credit bureaus.

New Form I-864 does not change income requirement

Other sponsorship requirements including a sponsor’s annual household income remain unchanged in Form I-864.

The post Sponsoring Family Member for Green Card? USCIS Changes Form I-864 to Check Your Credit Data first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

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Indian-origin women of color have been on a winning streak, from the C-suite to artificial intelligence to beauty pageants. Be it a test of beauty or brains, they are scoring high and setting new standards with their talent. While 5 Indian-origin girls are racing for America’s Top Young Scientist title 2026 as finalists, 18-year-old Kiran Reddy is proudly boasting her crown as Miss Teen USA 2026.

Who is Kiran Reddy, Miss Teen USA in 2026?

Kiran Reddy is an Indian American teen from the US state of Georgia. She won the Miss Teen USA title and wore the crown on August 26 at the grand finale held in Miami. In July 2026, she became the first Indian-origin contestant to win the Miss Georgia Teen title and represent her state in the national beauty pageant. She prides herself on being a role model for girls born to non-white immigrants and quietly carrying the legacy of Nina Davuluri, the first Indian American to win the Miss USA title in 2013.

“It is heartwarming to see the first world’s changing perception of Indian beauty (which was earlier seen as brown globally). There was a time when South Asians were barred from becoming US citizens as they were not “White’. For the same reason, Kala Bagai and a few other Indian immigrants were stripped of their American citizenship in 1923. These days Indian Americans of color (brown) are shining bright in different walks of life, from Chef Priyanka Naik to CEO Kruti Patel Goyal. Precisely, brown is the new white,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

2026 Miss Teen USA winner’s career goals

Instead of resting on her new laurels, Kiran Reddy is heading to pursue her passion – medicine. One of her goals is to build a career in women’s health and specialize in gynecology. She has enrolled to the University of Georgia where she will be studying on a pre-med track. She graduated as valedictorian of Coffee High School’s Class of 2026 in Douglas.

She owes her passion for medicine to her physician father. Her father’s medical practice with professional integrity sowed the seeds of her interest in medicine. While volunteering in the labor and delivery wing of Coffee Regional Medical Center, her interest deepened further and turned into a determination to make it big in women’s health care. She also aims to provide prenatal care to underprivileged women in developing nations.

Miss Teen USA Kiran Reddy’s community service

She has earned admiration for her academic excellence and community service alike. She has volunteered at local elementary schools and read out stories to students. She has unconditionally offered service to residents of Lakeside Senior Living Center. She also organized fund-raising charity programs for Alzheimer’s awareness. “It’s never been about the title. It’s never been about the crown. It’s about the impact,” said Kiran in a media interview. With the Miss Teen USA title 2026, she aims to make a positive impact on others.

This news story is part of our continued series of Indian Diaspora’s inspiring journey and achievements. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians and Americans. Best Indian Eagle deals make flights from USA to India and other countries affordable, irrespective of routes and travel dates.

The post Who’s Indian American Kiran Reddy? She Wins Miss Teen USA 2026 Crown and Makes History first appeared on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.

The post Who’s Indian American Kiran Reddy? She Wins Miss Teen USA 2026 Crown and Makes History appeared first on Indian Eagle Blog | US-India Travel News | Diaspora Stories.