Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the grand finale of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) mega aerial display, titled “Wings Over Ganges,” over the sacred river Ganges at Namo Ghat in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Joining the Prime Minister at the event were Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Spectacular Display of India’s Air Might
Marking the IAF’s 94th anniversary, the high-octane spectacle featured approximately 100 aircraft from 12 air bases across India, showcasing a joint display of military aviation strength from the Air Force, Army, and Navy.
The skies above Kashi roared as front-line fighter jets—including the Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and the indigenous LCA Tejas—executed breathtaking maneuvers, low-altitude flypasts, and precision formations stretching from Namo Ghat toward Assi Ghat. The event featured 18 specialized flight formations named after local and national icons, including Kashi, Varuna, Sarnath, and Prachand, along with a ceremonial flower shower over the river by Chetak helicopters.
Surya Kiran and Sarang Teams Cap Off Historic Finale
The crown jewels of the display were the IAF’s renowned Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
- Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team: Flying nine HAL-built Hawk Mk 132 jets, the team painted the Varanasi skyline with vibrant tricolor smoke, executing loops, barrel rolls, and synchronization maneuvers.
- Sarang Team: Performing in ALH Dhruv helicopters, the team executed intricate cross-overs and heart-in-the-sky formations to the delight of the crowd.
Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the famous riverfront ghats and rooftops of Varanasi to witness the unprecedented aerial display over the Ganges. Local authorities had implemented stringent safety and bird-strike prevention measures—including a 30 km meat sale ban leading up to the event—to ensure the smooth execution of low-level flypasts.
