First-ever air show in Varanasi; Indian Air Force to showcase its might on October 24 and 25 as well
‘Wings Over Ganga’ officially takes off; fighter jets and daring pilots captivate spectators
Varanasi, October 2026 : The holy city of Kashi witnessed a spectacular display of the Indian Air Force’s valour, prowess and modern military capabilities on Thursday. With the formal launch of the ‘Wings Over Ganga’ air show over the Ganga, the skies above Kashi reverberated with the roar of fighter jets.
Held in Varanasi for the first time, the aerial display drew large crowds to the ghats. The high speeds, sudden mid-air manoeuvres and breathtaking aerobatics of fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000 and Tejas left spectators thrilled.
Fighter jets roaring over the waters of the Ganga, Rafale and Sukhoi aircraft performing aerial manoeuvres, and brave personnel descending from helicopters gave spectators a glimpse of the Indian Air Force’s formidable capabilities.
The aerial display showcased precise coordination between aircraft, the pilots’ exceptional skills and their ability to control aircraft under challenging conditions. Various display teams of the Indian Air Force also demonstrated their expertise through formations bearing names associated with Kashi’s religious and cultural identity.
The Rafale display brought excitement among spectators to its peak. Flying at high speeds, the aircraft made sudden changes in direction and performed aerial manoeuvres at varying altitudes over the Ganga. Its sharp turns and flight from different directions showcased a remarkable combination of speed, balance and precise pilot control. The Rafale’s 180-degree turns, high-speed manoeuvres and demonstrations of flight at suddenly reduced speeds kept spectators’ eyes fixed on the sky. The Sukhoi and other fighter aircraft also won loud applause with their aerial skills.
The capabilities of helicopters and transport aircraft were also showcased during the aerial display. The demonstration of personnel descending from a Chinook helicopter onto a cruise vessel over the Ganga was a special attraction for spectators.
The participation of the Indian Air Force’s Garud Special Forces further added to the significance of the event. The roar of fighter jets and the courage displayed by personnel descending from helicopters made the aerial show a memorable experience for the audience.
As per the scheduled programme, around 100 aircraft participated in the aerial display. These included 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and one historic aircraft. The aircraft took off from 12 Air Force bases across the country, including the naval air station at Arakkonam near Chennai.
A total of 25 aircraft formations were featured in the display, highlighting the operational capabilities of various aircraft and helicopters in the Indian Air Force, their coordination and the professional expertise of its air warriors.
The participating helicopters included the LCH, Chinook, ALH Mark-III, ALH Mark-IV, Apache, Chetak, Ka-31 and Mi-17 V5. Transport and support aircraft included the C-295, C-17, C-130, AEW&C, IL-78, AN-32 and P-8I. The fighter aircraft that demonstrated their capabilities included the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Rafale, LCA, MiG-29 and Jaguar. The Harvard aircraft, along with the Surya Kiran and Sarang display teams, were also among the major attractions. Two ALH helicopters of the Indian Army, along with a P-8I aircraft and a Ka-31 helicopter of the Indian Navy, also participated in the event.
The Prachand formation featured in the aerial display showcased the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities, operational readiness and precision-strike potential. The formation highlighted the operational capabilities of frontline combat aircraft and the ability to deploy decisive air power to achieve national objectives.
The aerial display over the Ganga has offered the public a rare and thrilling experience. Keeping this unique setting in mind, the event has been themed ‘Wings Over Ganga’. Being held on October 22, 24 and 25, the air show is giving residents of Varanasi and visiting tourists an opportunity to witness the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, modern military technology and the indomitable courage of its personnel at close quarters. The roar of aircraft above Kashi’s ghats and the striking formations in the sky are making the event a memorable spectacle.
