Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi
Varanasi, Oct 25: The Indian Air Force (IAF) staged a spectacular air show titled ‘Wings Over Ganges’ over the River Ganga in Varanasi on Sunday to mark its 94th anniversary, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessing the aerial display at Namo Ghat.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event, which showcased the IAF’s operational capabilities, precision flying and coordination through a series of impressive aerial manoeuvres.
The show featured a wide range of aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas fighter, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Su-30MKI and Rafale, along with transport aircraft, helicopters and other military platforms. The displays highlighted the force’s capabilities across fighter operations, airlift, helicopter formations and coordinated flying.
The second phase of the programme began with three Mi-17 V-5 helicopters carrying the national flag and the Indian Air Force flag in an ‘Omkar’ formation. The formation was led by Group Captain Anuj Gupta, marking the beginning of another series of aerial manoeuvres.
The display also featured the ‘Bhagirathi’ diamond formation, comprising LCH and Apache helicopters, followed by the ‘Tridev’ formation. The latter brought together the Indian Navy’s Kamov-31 helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 helicopters from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, highlighting coordination among the three services.
Flowers were showered from the sky as part of the ceremonial programme. This was followed by a performance by Rudra aircraft led by Wing Commander S. Bhargava, which carried out an impressive flare display while soaring across the sky.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) delivered a precision aerial performance over the Ganga, drawing applause with its coordinated manoeuvres and tight formations. Operating nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, the team painted the skies with a series of signature formations and aerobatic routines.
The aerial display also demonstrated the IAF’s airlift and formation-flying capabilities, with the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, MiG-29, P-8I, IL-78, Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI participating in different formations. The formations were named ‘Freelocean’, ‘Nataraj’, ‘Mahadev’ and ‘Vishwanath’, adding to the significance of the event held in the holy city.
The ‘Neelkanth’ formation, featuring three Rafale aircraft flying in a ‘V’ formation, was led by Squadron Leader Kaustubh Nalawade. An indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft brought the aerial display to a close with a distinctive Spider-Man farewell, providing a memorable conclusion to the programme.
Large crowds gathered at Namo Ghat and nearby ghats to witness the aerial spectacle. Spectators also assembled at Bhosale Ghat and along the opposite bank of the Ganga towards Ramnagar to catch a glimpse of the aircraft performing their manoeuvres.
Extensive security arrangements were made at the ghats to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Personnel from the Water Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with divers, were deployed at Namo Ghat and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Modi’s presence generated considerable enthusiasm among residents, with large numbers of people gathering along the route from the police lines to Namo Ghat to welcome him.
BJP workers and local residents greeted the Prime Minister with rose petals, traditional musical performances and cultural programmes organised at various points along the route. People raised slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as Modi stood on the footboard of his vehicle and acknowledged the crowds gathered to welcome him.
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. Officials said the facility is aimed at promoting industrial development in the region and strengthening India’s textile and garment manufacturing sector.
During his visit, the Prime Minister interacted with around 300 women. Officials said the new unit is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for women, while boosting local economic activity and supporting industrial growth.
The initiative is also expected to connect garments manufactured in Varanasi with international customers by facilitating access to global markets, providing fresh opportunities for the region’s textile and garment industry.