In South India, wearing jasmine (or “beli”) flower garlands in hair is an inseparable part of women’s traditional adornment. However, not all countries share the same cultural acceptance of these flowers. Recently, Malayalam actress Nabya Nair experienced the consequences firsthand.
Incident Details
- Nabya Nair travelled to Australia to attend the ‘Onam’ festival, organised by the Victoria Malayali Association.
- Upon arrival at Melbourne International Airport, she was found carrying a jasmine garland approximately 15 centimetres long.
- Airport authorities fined her AUD 1,980, which is equivalent to over BDT 1.25 lakh or INR 1.25 lakh.
Nabya explained the situation: “Before my journey, my father had brought the jasmine flowers. I divided it into two parts — one I wore in my hair during the flight from Kochi to Singapore, and the second I kept in my handbag. I had no idea this was illegal.”
She added: “The mistake happened unintentionally, but the law doesn’t accept excuses. Officials informed me that the fine must be paid within 28 days. It wasn’t deliberate, it was an error — but an error is still an error.”
Summary of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
| Person Involved | Nabya Nair, Malayalam actress |
| Occasion | Onam festival organised by Victoria Malayali Association |
| Location | Melbourne International Airport, Australia |
| Item Carried | Jasmine (beli) flower garland, ~15 cm |
| Fine Amount | AUD 1,980 (~BDT 1.25 lakh / ~INR 1.25 lakh) |
| Reason | Illegal import of plant material |
| Actress’s Response | Unintentional mistake, unaware it was prohibited |
| Payment Deadline | 28 days from the notice |
This incident highlights the differences in cultural practices and international regulations, showing how traditional customs can inadvertently clash with foreign laws. Nabya Nair’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for travellers carrying plant-based items across borders.
