CM Sai attends full-dress rehearsal of Indian Air Force's Sarang Aerobatic Display Team at Sendh Lake
Akash Ganga Skydiving Team, Garud Commandos and Sarang pilots showcase extraordinary courage and coordination on Chhattisgarh Foundation Day
Five Sarang helicopters mesmerise spectators with spectacular formations and breathtaking aerial manoeuvres
Sarang team's performance reflects discipline, mutual trust, team spirit and excellence: CM Sai
'Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya' echoes from Sarang cockpit; spectacular Tricolour formation and 'Vande Mataram' fill the sky with patriotic fervour
Chief Minister extends Foundation Day greetings, wishes Chhattisgarh continued progress and prosperity
Main aerial display by Indian Air Force's Sarang team scheduled at Sendh Lake on November 2
Raipur, November 2026: The skies over Nava Raipur witnessed an extraordinary display of courage, discipline, precision and flying skills of the Indian Air Force on the occasion of Chhattisgarh's Foundation Day.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the full-dress rehearsal of the Indian Air Force's world-renowned Sarang Aerobatic Display Team at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur. On the occasion, personnel from the Indian Air Force's Akash Ganga Skydiving Team, Garud Commandos and Sarang Helicopter Display Team enthralled the audience with daring manoeuvres, precise control and remarkable coordination.
The spectacular sight of the Tricolour in the sky, impressive helicopter formations and the stirring strains of 'Vande Mataram' filled the atmosphere with patriotic fervour and national pride.
Praising the outstanding performance of the Indian Air Force personnel, Chief Minister Sai said the presence of the prestigious Sarang Team in Chhattisgarh on the occasion of the state's Foundation Day was a matter of immense pride and happiness.
He said the courage, discipline, confidence and precise coordination displayed by the air warriors were inspiring for every citizen, particularly the youth.
He added that the event was not merely an exhibition of thrilling aerial manoeuvres but also a vivid demonstration of the Indian Air Force's exceptional capabilities, rigorous training, dedication and commitment to national service.
The Chief Minister also extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people on Chhattisgarh's Foundation Day. He expressed hope that the state would continue to achieve new heights of development, progress and prosperity.
He said the spectacular performance by the Indian Air Force had further enhanced the enthusiasm and pride of the people during the Foundation Day celebrations.
Sai explained that 'Sarang' means peacock. Just as the peacock symbolises India's distinct identity and beauty, the Sarang Team represents the prestige, exceptional skills and discipline of the Indian Air Force.
He said Chhattisgarh was witnessing a unique celebration in which the joy of statehood had been combined with the valour, discipline and extraordinary courage of the Indian Air Force.
The Chief Minister observed that while helicopter formations and daring aerial manoeuvres might appear effortless and graceful to spectators, they required extensive planning, continuous practice, deep concentration and exceptional coordination.
Every pilot must remain fully aware not only of their own role but also of the movements of fellow pilots. Unwavering mutual trust and precise coordination under challenging conditions make such spectacular performances possible, he said.
The Sarang Team's performance conveyed an important message that even the most difficult targets could be achieved through discipline, dedication, collective effort and mutual trust.
Akash Ganga skydivers demonstrate extraordinary courage and precision
The aerial show began with an exhilarating performance by the Indian Air Force's renowned Akash Ganga Skydiving Team.
Jumping from great heights, the skydivers demonstrated exceptional courage, balance and precision by skilfully controlling their parachutes.
As they descended, the personnel manoeuvred their parachutes according to the prescribed direction and speed before executing accurate landings at the designated spot in front of Sendh Lake.
Their descent from the sky kept spectators captivated. As the skydivers landed successfully at the designated location, the entire venue erupted in applause.
The audience applauded the extraordinary courage and high-quality training of the Indian Air Force personnel.
The performance offered an impressive glimpse into the physical fitness, mental resilience, ability to maintain composure under challenging conditions and advanced training of the Air Force personnel.
Garud Commandos showcase specialised operational skills
Following the Akash Ganga team's performance, the Indian Air Force's Garud Commandos demonstrated their skills in a daring slithering operation from an Mi-17 helicopter.
The commandos descended from a helicopter hovering in a stationary position, using ropes to reach the designated location, showcasing their ability to operate in difficult and challenging conditions.
After landing, the Garud Commandos conducted an impressive rescue and combat operation in front of Sendh Lake before saluting the stage.
The demonstration of commandos descending from a hovering helicopter and executing an operation at a designated location thrilled the spectators.
The performance highlighted the operational capabilities, rapid response skills, specialised training and ability of the Indian Air Force's special forces to successfully complete missions under challenging circumstances.
The audience applauded the commandos for their extraordinary courage and disciplined performance.
Five Sarang helicopters mesmerise spectators with breathtaking aerial manoeuvres
The biggest attraction of the aerial show was the spectacular performance by the Indian Air Force's world-famous Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
Led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar, five helicopters of the team performed a series of impressive formations and daring aerial manoeuvres over Nava Raipur.
The Sarang pilots demonstrated exceptional flying skills through precise control, balance and remarkable coordination.
The sight of five helicopters flying together in perfectly synchronised formations mesmerised the audience. At times, the helicopters appeared to fly extremely close to one another, while at other moments they moved in different directions before regrouping into their designated formations.
One of the most thrilling moments was the daring 'crossover' manoeuvre, in which the helicopters crossed each other's paths at extremely close distances.
The sight of the helicopters passing rapidly in front of one another left spectators spellbound. The manoeuvre highlighted the pilots' concentration, precise control over their aircraft and seamless coordination.
Through a series of attractive formations and thrilling manoeuvres, the Sarang Team showcased the Indian Air Force's technical capabilities, professional excellence and exceptional flying skills.
With every new formation, the excitement among spectators grew, and the audience repeatedly applauded the air warriors.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai watched the thrilling performance with enthusiasm and appreciated the pilots for their courage, discipline and outstanding coordination.
'Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya' echoes from Sarang cockpit
On the occasion of Chhattisgarh's Foundation Day, the Sarang Team also expressed its special affection and respect for the state.
During the aerial display, Group Captain Abhijit Kumar greeted the people of Chhattisgarh through the popular regional slogan, 'Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya', from the helicopter cockpit.
The familiar greeting echoing across the skies doubled the enthusiasm of the spectators. The gesture by the Indian Air Force personnel, acknowledging the state's distinct identity and the sentiments of its people, made the occasion particularly memorable.
Tricolour formation and 'Vande Mataram' fill the skies with patriotic fervour
During the concluding phase of the aerial display, the Sarang Team presented a spectacular Tricolour formation as the patriotic song 'Vande Mataram' resonated across the venue.
The beautiful display of the three colours of the national flag filled the atmosphere with a sense of national pride and patriotism.
The magnificent formation left spectators deeply moved. The synchronised movement of helicopters, the colours of the Tricolour and the stirring patriotic music created an unforgettable spectacle.
The aerial show concluded on a grand and memorable note, showcasing valour, courage, discipline and patriotism. The event familiarised the people of Chhattisgarh with the excellence and glorious tradition of national service upheld by the Indian Air Force.
Sarang Team has enhanced India's prestige across the world
Notably, the Indian Air Force's Sarang Helicopter Display Team is the world's only five-helicopter aerobatic display team.
Through meticulously planned aerial manoeuvres, impressive formations and extraordinary flying skills, the team showcases the Indian Air Force's precision, discipline, professionalism and advanced training standards.
The Sarang Team has enhanced India's reputation and prestige through spectacular performances in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Mauritius, Russia and Egypt.
Its performances at various international platforms have consistently highlighted the Indian Air Force's capabilities, courage, technical excellence and outstanding coordination.
The presence of the Sarang Team in Nava Raipur on Chhattisgarh's Foundation Day was a moment of special pride for the people of the state.
Main Sarang aerial display scheduled for November 2
Following the full-dress rehearsal held on November 1, the Indian Air Force's Sarang Aerobatic Display Team will present its main aerial show at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on November 2.
The spectacular event, organised as part of the Rajyotsav celebrations, will provide residents with a special opportunity to witness the extraordinary courage, discipline, valour and flying skills of the Indian Air Force at close quarters.
The performances by the Akash Ganga Skydiving Team, Garud Commandos and Sarang Team are expected to make the Chhattisgarh Foundation Day celebrations even more grand and memorable.
Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, Kaushalya Sai, public representatives, distinguished citizens, Indian Air Force officers and a large number of people were present on the occasion.
