{
  "id": 5732741,
  "title": "Keralam seeks Sadya emoji, eyes global branding for traditional feast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/keralam-seeks-sadya-emoji-eyes-global-branding-for-traditional-feast",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T06:31:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralam-seeks-sadya-emoji-eyes-global-branding-for-traditional-feast/article71428774.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kerala is seeking to brand its traditional Sadya feast with an emoji to promote global recognition, despite dieticians' concerns over its high-calorie content. Kerala Tourism has approached Apple CEO John Ternus, who took office on September 1, requesting the inclusion of a Sadya emoji on iPhones. The tourism department believes the popularity of Sadya, particularly during festivals such as Onam, makes it a suitable candidate for international branding. James Kodianthara, a tourism expert, suggests Sadya could generate global interest similar to dishes like steak in American cuisine. Airlines serving southern India already serve Sadya on flights during festivals. However, dietician Dr. Anupa Jose advises reducing the amount of rice on the banana leaf and incorporating more protein-rich curries to lower calorie intake.",
  "summary": "Kerala Tourism requests Apple CEO John Ternus, who assumed office on September 1, to include an emoji representing Keralam’s Sadya on iPhone. Request made through the official social media handle of Kerala Tourism in response to a post by Ternus after assuming the office",
  "key_points": [
    "Kerala seeks Sadya emoji for global recognition",
    "Apple CEO John Ternus receives request on September 1",
    "Dietician warns of high-calorie content in Sadya"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}