Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Indian Air Force’s aerial display called ‘Wings Over Ganges’ at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, October 25. The event was organised to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force and brought military aircraft into the skies above the Ganga.

The air show attracted attention as fighter jets and helicopters performed different aerial manoeuvres over the riverfront. The event also gave people an opportunity to see some of the aircraft and display teams associated with the Indian Air Force. According to a report by Akashvani News, the programme was organised as part of the celebrations marking the Air Force’s anniversary.

Fighter Jets and Helicopters Take to the Sky

The aerial display featured several aircraft used by the Indian Air Force, including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Tejas and Mirage 2000. These aircraft are used for different operational roles and are part of India's military aviation capabilities.

The show also featured the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, known for its coordinated flying displays. The team performed formations that required pilots to maintain precise distances and timings while flying together.

The Sarang helicopter display team was also part of the programme. Its helicopter formations added another element to the show and gave spectators a chance to see the coordination involved in group flying.

One of the notable displays involved aircraft flying in a formation inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag. The combination of military aircraft, aerobatic performances and the Ganga riverfront made the event a major attraction in Varanasi.

The aircraft and display teams featured in the programme were also covered by The Indian Express in its report on the Varanasi air show.

Defence Leaders Join PM Modi at Namo Ghat

Several senior leaders attended the event along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Those present included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Their presence highlighted the importance of the programme as part of the Indian Air Force's anniversary celebrations. The event brought together military personnel, government representatives and spectators at one of Varanasi's well-known riverfront locations.

The aerial display was scheduled across three days, on October 22, 24 and 25. The Prime Minister attended the programme on the final day.

Varanasi provided a distinctive setting for the event. The city is known for its historic ghats and its location along the Ganga. The sight of aircraft flying above the river added a different dimension to the city's usual riverfront views.

Details about the Prime Minister's participation and the event were reported by The Indian Express.

Why Was the ‘Wings Over Ganges’ Air Show Organised?

The main purpose of the event was to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. The Air Force plays an important role in protecting India's airspace and supporting military operations when required.

Aerial displays also allow the public to see the flying skills and coordination of trained pilots. Performing such manoeuvres requires regular practice, close teamwork and careful planning. Even small changes in speed or distance can affect a formation, which makes coordination especially important during aerobatic displays.

The inclusion of aircraft such as the Tejas also brought attention to India's military aviation programme. The Tejas is an Indian-designed light combat aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.

The event combined these aviation displays with the cultural setting of Varanasi. Holding the programme above the Ganga made it different from a conventional air show held at an airbase or airport.

The anniversary celebrations also offered an opportunity to recognise the work of Air Force personnel who serve in flying, technical and support roles. While the aircraft were the main attraction for spectators, the performances depended on the preparation and teamwork of many people behind the scenes.

Varanasi Witnesses a Different View of the Ganga

Namo Ghat became the centre of attention as aircraft moved across the sky above the river. For spectators, the display offered a chance to watch military aviation in a public setting rather than only seeing aircraft in photographs or videos.

The combination of fighter jets, helicopters and aerobatic formations gave the programme a varied line-up. It also brought together two different aspects of the city — its historic connection with the Ganga and a modern display of India's military aviation.

The event added to the celebrations marking the Indian Air Force's 94 years of service. It also gave Varanasi a prominent role in the anniversary programme.

A Milestone in the Indian Air Force’s Anniversary Celebrations

The ‘Wings Over Ganges’ aerial display was organised to mark an important anniversary for the Indian Air Force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence, along with senior defence and state leaders, made the final day's programme a significant part of the celebrations.

With fighter jets, helicopters and aerobatic teams taking part, the show offered spectators a closer look at the flying capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The setting above the Ganga made the display particularly distinctive for Varanasi.

The event brought the anniversary celebrations to the city and highlighted the role of aviation displays in connecting the public with the work o