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Among the list of objects that are not allowed in check-in baggage before boarding an airplane in India is a surprising one. Outside of the usual suspects—lighters, e-cigarettes, and power banks—one might be shocked to see none other than coconuts! But, indeed, this is true, and also a potent point for a lesson. Some Indians like to travel with coconuts, even though they are susceptible to exploding under pressure, because you never know when you will need one. The humble coconut holds a sacred place in Indian culture. Every part of the fruit offers itself up for delightful consumption or practical use. One can worship with it, drink the refreshingly sweet water, eat the insides, use the milk for cooking, the oil for massage and glossy hair, the husk for making all kinds of objects—baskets, mats, roofs. Fittingly, this is a story about generosity and the humble and versatile green coconut.
In August 2024, I was on a trip to see my aging parents in India...
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