Meghalaya’s traditional Khneng embroidery, practised for nearly 200 years in Mustoh village of East Khasi Hills, has been featured on the tail of an Air India Express aircraft as part of the airline’s ‘Tales Of India’ initiative.
Through its Tales of India initiative, Air India Express showcases distinctive art and designs inspired by India’s indigenous art forms, crafts and cultural heritage on its aircraft tails.
Air India Express, in a social media post, described Khneng as a distinctive craft tradition of Meghalaya’s Khasi community, with its intricate stitches and patterns reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
The move has drawn the attention of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who lauded the initiative.
“Glad to see the unique Khneng embroidery of Meghalaya take flight on @AirIndiaX as part of #TalesOfIndia,” Sangma wrote on X.
He described Khneng embroidery as a treasured craft tradition of the Khasi community, where every stitch carries a story. “Meaning “border” in Khasi, this intricate art has been practised for nearly 200 years in Mustoh village, East Khasi Hills,” Sangma said.
“Its precise stitches and rhythmic patterns, inspired by local flora, fauna and geometric forms, reflect the skill, creativity and heritage of the Khasi community. A beautiful piece of Meghalaya’s living tradition, now travelling far beyond its roots,” the Chief Minister added.
Meghalaya’s 200-Year-Old Khneng Embroidery Takes Flight on Air India Express Aircraft
