Indian Air Force aircraft flew low over the Ganga at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Sunday, on the final day of ‘Wings over Ganges’, a three-day aerial display held to mark the IAF’s 94th anniversary.
The show lasted over an hour. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team flew precision formations in its red-and-white jets, while the Sarang helicopter display team performed aerial stunts.
Fighter aircraft including the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar took part, along with the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, transport aircraft and other helicopters, IAF officials said.
Officials said the highlight was the “Kashi formation”, in which three Kiran aircraft flew in a V formation, creating a display in the colours of the Tricolour. In the “Omkar formation”, Mi-17 helicopters flew carrying the national flag.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, watched the display along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Large crowds lined the ghats, with some spectators waving the Tricolour.
“It is a memorable experience to watch the Indian Air Force’s show at Namo Ghat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The spirituality of Kashi, combined with the might of fighter aircraft in the sky, fills us with pride,” spectator Divakar Singh told The Hindu.
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