New Delhi: The three-day Indian Air Force’s “Wings Over Ganga” concluded on Varanasi on Sunday. In the day’s show, three Kiran aircraft flew in a V-shaped formation, creating a spectacle in the colours of the national flag. Mi-17 helicopters carrying the tricolour performed an Omkar formation over the Ganga. The prime minister, Narendra Modi, witnessed the aerial displays from Varanasi’s famous Namo Ghat by the Ganga.
The event marked the IAF’s 94th anniversary. The defence minister, Rajnath Singh; the chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh; Uttar Pradesh governor, Anandiben Patel; and UP chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, attended the final day’s programme. The deputy chief minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya, was also present.
The airshow featured several fighter aircraft and helicopters. These included the Sukhoi-30MKI, indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft and Prachand light combat helicopters.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team showcased precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres. The Sarang helicopter display team also performed a series of aerial stunts. The displays highlighted the flying skills of the IAF’s pilots and the capabilities of its aircraft.
The Ganga waterfront provided a striking backdrop to the aerial spectacle. Large crowds gathered at Namo Ghat to watch the aircraft perform their manoeuvres overhead.
Crowds raised slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as Modi stood on the footboard of his vehicle to acknowledge them. Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in Mirzamurad, Varanasi. The facility aims to strengthen India’s textile and garment manufacturing sector. It is also expected to generate employment, particularly for women, and boost local economic activity.
Modi arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning. He travelled by helicopter to Mirzamurad for the inauguration. He later flew to Police Lines before proceeding by road to Namo Ghat for the airshow.
The conclusion of Wings Over Ganges airshow brings the curtain down on the IAF’s first-ever aerial displays over the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.