Navi Mumbai airport staff perform puja before first flight, but want 'prasad box' - what's so special?

Sharp-eyed netizens were quick to notice the sweets served during the puja ceremony by the ground staff at the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The first commercial flight has taken off from Navi Mumbai International Airport to Hyderabad with more than just passengers and crew on board. Before departure, airline staff and airport officials performed traditional pujan inside the aircraft, marking the start of operations at one of India’s most ambitious aviation projects. That moment blended faith, tradition and progress, paving the way for what many see as a new chapter in India’s infrastructure story.

A video depicting the ceremony quickly appeared on social media and quickly went viral. Captioned, “A historic beginning. First pujan flight at Navi Mumbai International Airport. New dreams take off from here,” the video showed the crew members participating in the ritual with folded hands and solemn expressions. While many viewers hailed the gesture as a proud and emotional moment, it was an unexpected detail that really stole the show – the prasad that was distributed after the pujan.

However, eagle-eyed netizens quickly focused on the desserts served during the party, sparking widespread curiosity and discussion online. Comments started pouring in, not only about the ritual, but also about where the prasad came from and why it seemed so special.

“Famous Prashant Corner Gala,” read a comment. “Prashant corner mithai,” another person said.

Why Prasad became the real talking point

The sweets have been traced back to Prashant Corner, a legendary Mithai brand from Thane, Maharashtra. Established in 1989, Prashant Corner is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and loved sweet shops in the region. From rickshaw drivers to senior bureaucrats and politicians, the brand enjoys near-universal appreciation for its quality, cleanliness and consistency.

What really sparked online chatter was speculation that Prasad might have included Suvarna Mithai, Prashant Corner’s most lavish offering. Suvarna Mithai is made using premium ingredients like pure Kashmiri Kaiser, Tamra Almonds, Pechori Pistachios, Cardamom and covered with 24 carat edible gold leaf. Priced at a staggering INR 50,000 per kg, it is known as a status symbol and is often purchased in bulk by corporates and MLAs for VIP gifts, especially during festive seasons.

From small kiosks to famous brand

Prashant Corner’s journey adds another layer of interest to the story. Founded by Prashant Sakpal, a 7th grade dropout inspired by the “Marathi Manus” ideology, the brand has grown from a humble beginning that involved selling milk door to door and running a small stall. Over the years, Sakpal learned the art of making mithai, opened his first dedicated sweet shop in 2000, and eventually built a business that now has 17 outlets in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel and beyond, along with a huge factory in Wagle Estate. His daughter Aishwarya has since joined the business, driving expansion and innovation.

With the first flight taking place from Navi Mumbai International Airport, it was not just about making aviation history. For many online, golden prasad has become a symbol of local pride, tradition and quiet luxury, proving that sometimes, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impression.

First published:

27 December 2025 at 08:00 IST

Viral news Navi Mumbai airport staff perform puja before first flight, but want ‘prasad box’ – what’s so special?

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