Varanasi: The skies over Kashi turned into a spectacular canvas of air power, patriotism and cultural pride as around 100 aircraft from 12 Indian Air Force (IAF) air bases roared over the Ganga, leaving thousands of spectators spellbound on both banks of the river in Varanasi and Chandauli. The three-day air show, ‘Wings Over Ganga’, organised to mark the 94th anniversary of the IAF’s foundation, formally began in Varanasi on Thursday, bringing an extraordinary aerial spectacle to the holy city.People, particularly from districts across Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh), gathered in large numbers at ghats on the sis-Ganga side and on the sand beds across the river to witness the display. The riverfront wore a festive look from the morning, with the district administration and police putting in place elaborate security and crowd-management arrangements. As the first aircraft thundered over the Ganga, the ghats resonated with cheers, chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Har Har Mahadev”, and applause from spectators gazing excitedly at the sky.Around 100 aircraft from 12 IAF air bases participated in the display, filling the skies over Varanasi and Chandauli with coordinated formations and high-speed manoeuvres. The spectacle featured frontline fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas, Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar, alongside helicopters and transport aircraft such as Chinook, Apache, ALH Mk III, ALH Mk IV, Chetak, Kamov-31, Mi-17 V5, C-295, C-17, C-130, AEW&C, IL-78, An-32 and P-8I.Adding a distinct local flavour to the spectacle, the formations were named after symbols closely associated with Kashi and Lord Shiva, including Omkar, Rudra, Tridev, Kailash, Trilochan, Natraj, Mahadev, Vishwanath, Pashupati and Neelkanth. Other formations drew their names from the region and its sacred geography, including Kashi, Varuna, Hanuman, Sarnath, Sarang, Ganga, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, Bhairav, Assi and Dashashwamedh.The Sarang helicopter display team and the Suryakiran aerobatic team drew loud applause for their synchronised and precise aerial movements. Formations such as V, Victory and Diamond patterns showcased tactical transit, ceremonial flypast discipline, integrated mixed-fleet capability and the skills of elite pilots.A demonstration of a rescue operation by Garud Commandos emerged as one of the day’s highlights. The commandos descended from helicopters onto a Ro-Ro vessel, demonstrating the IAF’s preparedness for crisis response and special operations. The Prachand formation also caught spectators’ attention for its operational significance and visual impact.The event went beyond aerial manoeuvres, blending military prowess with cultural expressions that added an emotional dimension to the spectacle. Patriotic songs and expressive Kathak performances further enriched the atmosphere, transforming the riverfront into a stage of national pride and devotion.For many spectators, the show was a historic experience for Varanasi. Families turned up with children, and several visitors said they had never imagined witnessing such an air show in the city. Many thanked Prime Minister and local MP Narendra Modi for hosting the event, saying it filled them with pride and could inspire children to learn more about the armed forces and consider joining the IAF in the future.For many residents of Kashi, the sight of fighter jets and helicopters displaying India’s air strength, operational readiness and national confidence against the backdrop of the Ganga was an unforgettable experience.
