New Delhi: The roar of Indian Air Force fighter jets echoed over the Ganga on Thursday as thousands of spectators gathered from Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat in Varanasi to watch the aerial display. People cheered and chanted “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as fighter aircraft flew over the river and helicopters performed coordinated manoeuvres. Patriotic songs played in the background as the crowds watched the display along the ghats.
The three-day Wings Over Ganges airshow opened with a display of India’s military aviation capabilities. The event marks the IAF’s 94th anniversary and brings the force’s aircraft to the skies above the historic city of Kashi.
One of the major attractions on the opening day was the Sarang helicopter Display Team. Flying indigenous advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv helicopters, the team performed coordinated manoeuvres above the Ganga. The helicopters also formed the tricolour in the sky, adding a patriotic touch to the display.
The programme features some of India’s frontline fighter aircraft, including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI and indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The wider line-up includes nearly 100 aircraft from 12 airbases across the country. Fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft and surveillance platforms are part of the event.
Three Kiran trainer aircraft flew in the “Kashi” formation, leaving a tricolour trail across the sky. Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets also flew over the Ganga as part of the aerial display.
The airshow is scheduled for October 22 as opening day, then it will resume on October 24 and conclude on 25. The prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, are expected to attend the concluding day’s programme, along with the Uttar Pradesh governor, Anandiben Patel, and the chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, as RNA Media earlier reported.
Speaking to ANI ahead of the event, defence expert, Sanjeev Srivastava, said hosting the IAF’s 94th anniversary celebrations along the Ganga brings together India’s cultural heritage and modern military capabilities. He said the display in Varanasi, known for its historical and civilizational significance, would showcase the country’s advanced fighter jets and helicopters.
Srivastava also described the event as a source of national pride, noting that the anniversary celebrations would highlight the IAF’s capabilities in a city recognized for its cultural heritage. He said Modi’s planned attendance would add to the significance of the occasion.
The remaining displays on October 24 and 25 are expected to feature further fighter formations and aerobatic performances over the Ganga.