States » NorthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 8:50PM


Massive crowds gather along Ganga in Kashi to watch IAF's 'Wings Over Ganga’ air show

Varanasi, Oct 24 (UNI) The skies over Kashi once again were witness to a spectacular display of the courage, skill, and indomitable valour of the Indian Air Force on Saturday.
A massive crowd gathered along both banks of the Ganga to witness the second day of the ‘Wings Over Ganga’ air show.
The roar of fighter jets, their high-speed manoeuvres, and breathtaking aerial stunts left the spectators thrilled.
While the aerial might of the Indian Air Force was on full display above the Ganga, the enthusiasm of the people gathered along the 'ghats' and riverbanks infused the entire atmosphere with a spirit of patriotism.
The crowd chanted slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’, and ‘Har Har Mahadev’.
Organised as part of the ‘Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026’—held to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force—the event featured a showcase of capabilities by fighter aircraft including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Rafale, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, LCA, and Jaguar.
The ‘Surya Kiran’ and ‘Sarang’ aerobatic display teams, along with Harvard aircraft, also drew the rapt attention of the audience.
At the scheduled time of 11:40 AM, the aircraft began to arrive from one end of the Ganga. This was followed by a series of coordinated aerial manoeuvres, with aircraft appearing from various directions. Their high speed, precise synchronisation, and thrilling formations left the spectators spellbound.
Commentary detailing the technology and capabilities of the aircraft added further depth to the event, offering the public an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the Indian Air Force’s operational procedures, the specific features of the aircraft, and their strategic capabilities.
In addition to fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, and various support aircraft participated in the aerial display. The helicopter fleet featured the LCH, Chinook, ALH Mk-III, ALH Mk-IV, Apache, Chetak, Kamov-31, and Mi-17 V5. The transport and support contingent included the C-295, C-17, C-130, AEW&C, Il-78, An-32, and P-8I.
The display also saw the participation of two ALH helicopters from the Indian Army, as well as a P-8I aircraft and a Kamov-31 helicopter from the Indian Navy. The involvement of the Indian Air Force’s ‘Garud’ Special Forces further underscored the strategic significance of the event.
A total of 100 aircraft took part in the display, comprising 52 fighter jets, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters, and one vintage aircraft.
These aircraft took off from 12 different airbases across the country. This grand spectacle, held over the Ganges, offered a glimpse into the Indian Air Force’s aerial power, technical proficiency, and extensive operational capabilities.
The air show in Varanasi proved to be a memorable experience for the local residents of Kashi and the visiting tourists.
The enthusiasm of the spectators—who watched the aircraft soar through the skies from both banks of the Ganges—was truly remarkable.
The first ‘Wings Over Ganga’ display took place on October 22.
Following the event on October 24, the third and final display is scheduled for October 25.
Several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, are expected to be present on the final day.
Alongside the aerial maneuvers, cultural performances also captured the audience's attention.
At Namo Ghat, students from Vasant Mahila Mahavidyalaya and other schools performed dances to patriotic songs.
They described their participation in the event as a truly proud experience. Shreya Tiwari and Aakriti Shri stated that having the opportunity to present a patriotic performance amidst the valor of the Indian Air Force is a matter of pride for them.
According to them, participating in such events fosters a passion and zeal for serving the nation, while also boosting the enthusiasm and self-confidence of the students.
UNI MBD RN
Tags: #Massive crowds gather along Ganga in Kashi to watch IAF's 'Wings Over Ganga’ air show
More News

Fake credit card reward offer costs Faridabad man Rs 62,029; woman caller among two arrested

24 Oct 2026 | 9:53 PM

Faridabad, Oct 24 (UNI) A fraudulent offer to redeem credit card reward points cost a Faridabad resident Rs 62,029 after cybercriminals posing as ICICI Bank representatives allegedly tricked him into disclosing his card details on a fake website, police said on Saturday, announcing the arrest of two suspects, including a woman who made the deceptive call.

see more..

Punjab: One arrested, excavator & tipper seized in illegal mining raid

24 Oct 2026 | 9:52 PM

Chandigarh, Oct 24 (UNI) Punjab's Mining Department has arrested one person and seized an excavator and a tipper truck in a late-night raid targeting suspected illegal mineral extraction at Bhallan village in Nangal tehsil of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said today.

see more..

Air pollution across NCR: Baraut, Meerut record ‘Very Poor’ AQI

24 Oct 2026 | 9:46 PM

Panchkula, Oct 24 (UNI) Air quality remained a concern across several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, with Baraut and Meerut recording ‘Very Poor’ air quality, while Sonipat, Baghpat, Ballabgarh and Kurukshetra featured among the locations reporting ‘Poor’ air quality.

see more..

Haryana to distribute Rs 185 crore among Asian, Para Asian Games athletes on Oct 30

24 Oct 2026 | 9:11 PM

Chandigarh, Oct 24 (UNI) The Haryana government will distribute approximately Rs 185 crore in cash awards among 171 athletes associated with the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games during a state-level felicitation ceremony at Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani on October 30.

see more..

Rajasthan: Six killed, girl injured in car-truck collision in Churu district

24 Oct 2026 | 9:00 PM

Jaipur, Oct 24 (UNI) Six persons were killed and a girl was seriously injured after a car they were travelling in rammed into a speeding truck near Sadulpur town of Churu district in Rajasthan today.

see more..