Modi watches as fighter jets roar across Varanasi skies at IAF air show

The Indian Air Force held “Wings over Ganges” at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on October 25, 2026. The three-day event commemorated the IAF’s 94th anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the final day with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The show mattered because it combined a public military display with Varanasi’s cultural setting along the Ganga.

The main show lasted over an hour. Fighters such as the Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar crossed the sky. The Surya Kiran team performed precision flying, while the Sarang team carried out helicopter stunts. Three Kiran aircraft created the Tricolour “Kashi formation,” and Mi-17 helicopters carried the national flag during the “Omkar formation.”

Large crowds gathered at Namo Ghat and along Modi’s route from the Police Lines. Spectators waved the Tricolour and chanted patriotic slogans. Attendees said the event could inspire children and young people to respect the country, consider national service and possibly join the Air Force.

An air show is a public aviation event where aircraft fly for spectators. It can demonstrate aircraft performance, military capabilities, pilot skill and national symbols. The Varanasi event included fighters, helicopters, transport aircraft and specialist display teams. It also connected the IAF’s anniversary with a large public gathering at Namo Ghat.

Aerobatic displays differ from ordinary flying because they use planned, highly coordinated manoeuvres. Aircraft may fly in close formations, change shape together or perform controlled stunts. At Varanasi, the Surya Kiran team showcased precision flying and coordinated manoeuvres. The Sarang helicopter team performed aerial stunts. Three Kiran aircraft also flew in a V formation for the “Kashi formation.”

These displays require carefully trained crews, precise timing and strict control of distance and direction. The article does not detail the safety systems or flight technology involved. It does show the public purpose clearly: the performances demonstrated skill, created spectacle and encouraged pride in the Air Force and the country.

“Wings over Ganges” was a three-day event organised to commemorate the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary. The article describes the main air show on its final day, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended at Namo Ghat. The scale came from both its duration and the range of aircraft involved, rather than from a stated attendance figure.

The main show lasted for over an hour. Officials named six fighter aircraft types in the broader display: Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar. The article also mentions the Sukhoi-30 MKI and LCH Prachand among the aircraft displayed, plus helicopters and transport aircraft. Thus, six named fighter categories can be counted from the later list, while the total range was broader.

The programme also included the Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team. Formations added visual variety and national symbolism. The article does not provide a total number of aircraft, pilots or spectators, so those figures cannot be calculated from the available information.

The two formations turned aircraft movements into visual national symbols. The “Kashi formation” was named for Varanasi’s identity and used three Kiran aircraft flying in a V formation. Officials said the aircraft created a spectacle in the colours of the Tricolour. The display drew loud cheers from the crowd at Namo Ghat.

The “Omkar formation” used Mi-17 helicopters carrying the national flag. In this case, the flags were visibly part of the helicopter display. The Kashi formation instead created the Tricolour effect through the aircraft display, while its V shape gave the formation a distinctive pattern. Together, the formations combined aviation skill with symbols associated with India and Varanasi.

These performances mattered because they made military flying accessible and emotionally powerful for spectators. People waved the Tricolour, while “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” echoed across the venue. The article presents both formations as highlights of a public anniversary event, not as operational missions.

The Indian Air Force, or IAF, is India’s military air service. Its aircraft and crews support national defence through different kinds of flying missions. The Varanasi show mattered because it presented that range to the public during the IAF’s 94th anniversary. Officials described the displays as a showcase of the IAF’s operational capabilities.

Fighter aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar, performed or appeared in the display. Helicopters included the Mi-17 and LCH Prachand, while transport aircraft were also featured. The article does not assign specific missions to each type. In general terms, fighters provide combat air power, helicopters support flexible operations, and transport aircraft move people or equipment.

The show made these capabilities visible through speed, formations and coordinated manoeuvres. Surya Kiran demonstrated precision flying, and Sarang performed helicopter stunts. The event also helped connect defence technology with public interest, national pride and possible inspiration for young people considering service in the Air Force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Arvind Ltd.’s garment manufacturing unit in Mirzamurad, Varanasi. Officials said the facility aims to promote industrial development and strengthen India’s textile and garment manufacturing sector. Its importance lies in linking a local production site with employment, regional economic activity and international demand.

The unit is expected to generate employment, particularly for women. During the visit, Modi interacted with around 300 women. Officials also said the facility could accelerate local economic activity. The key mechanism is manufacturing: garments produced in Varanasi can be supplied to customers beyond India when the unit provides access to global markets.

The article presents these as expected outcomes, not completed results. It does not state how many jobs will be created, when full production will begin or which countries will buy the garments. If the plans develop as described, the unit could expand work opportunities for women, strengthen the local industrial base and give Varanasi-made garments a wider international reach.

Fighter aircraft are designed primarily for fast, manoeuvrable combat flying. Helicopters can hover and operate at lower speeds, making them useful for flexible movement and specialised support. Transport aircraft are built to carry personnel or equipment. Aerobatic teams focus on carefully choreographed public displays rather than ordinary combat missions. These distinctions explain why the Varanasi programme used several aircraft categories.

The article names Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar among the fighters. It mentions Mi-17 helicopters, LCH Prachand and transport aircraft. Surya Kiran performed precision flying, while Sarang carried out helicopter stunts. The Kashi formation used three Kiran aircraft, and the Omkar formation used Mi-17 helicopters with the national flag.

Different roles require different combinations of speed, lifting ability, control and coordination. The article does not detail engines, weapons, avionics or flight-control systems. It does show the practical result: varied aircraft and specialised teams together presented the IAF’s operational range and flying discipline.