Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches an Indian Air Force helicopter fly over the Ganges during the ‘Wings over Ganges’ aerial display at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in this screengrab from a video posted that day.
Photo: YouTube/@PMOIndia .
IAF display teams showcase aerial precision at Namo Ghat as the Prime Minister joins the Air Force anniversary celebrations and opens a textile facility expected to boost employment, particularly for women.
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the concluding day of the three-day ‘Wings over Ganges’ air show at Namo Ghat.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompany him.
- Surya Kiran and Sarang display teams showcase coordinated flying and aerial manoeuvres.
- Residents welcome the Prime Minister with rose petals, traditional music and cultural performances.
- Modi inaugurates Arvind Ltd’s garment manufacturing unit in Mirzamurad and interacts with around 300 women.
- The manufacturing facility is expected to support local employment and access to international markets.
Varanasi: The skies above the Ganges provide a spectacular backdrop as Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses the Indian Air Force’s ‘Wings over Ganges’ aerial display at Namo Ghat on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Attending the concluding day of the three-day event commemorating the IAF’s 94th anniversary, the Prime Minister watches coordinated formations and aerial manoeuvres alongside Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The programme brings together the IAF’s display teams and aircraft against the riverfront setting of Varanasi, drawing spectators eager to witness the combination of precision flying, helicopter formations and aerobatics.
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated a garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd in Mirzamurad, adding an industrial and employment component to his visit to the parliamentary constituency he represents.
Precision Flying Above the Ganges
According to Air Force officials, the air show features aircraft including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, indigenous Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, alongside helicopter displays.
Aircraft flying in a ‘V’ formation create a spectacle featuring the colours of the national flag, while Mi-17 helicopters carrying the tricolour participate in the Omkar formation.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team demonstrates synchronised flying and coordinated manoeuvres, showcasing the skill and teamwork required to maintain precise formations in the air.
The Sarang helicopter display team also performs aerial manoeuvres, adding another dimension to the programme. Together, the displays give spectators an opportunity to observe different aspects of the Air Force’s flying capabilities.
Namo Ghat Hosts Air Force Anniversary Celebrations
The three-day event places Varanasi’s riverfront at the centre of the anniversary celebrations, with the final day drawing particular attention because of the Prime Minister’s attendance.
The setting combines the city’s spiritual character with a demonstration of aviation skill. For residents watching from the riverfront, the programme offers an unusual view of military aircraft performing above the Ganges.
The presence of the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and senior state dignitaries adds significance to the concluding display.
Residents Welcome Modi Along the Route
Large numbers of residents gather along the route from the Police Lines to Namo Ghat to welcome Modi.
BJP workers and local residents greet him with rose petals, traditional musical performances and cultural programmes at designated locations. Welcome arrangements are made near the Police Lines main gate and crossing, Khajuri–Maqbool Alam Road, Hukulganj Tirumuhani, Chowkaghat wood market, City Railway Station and Gol Gadda crossing.
Additional gathering points include the railway underpass and the CNG station near Namo Ghat.
People raise slogans of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram” as the Prime Minister acknowledges the crowds from the footboard of his vehicle.
Spectators Describe a Memorable Experience
For spectators, the air show offers both a public spectacle and an opportunity to reflect on the service of Air Force personnel.
Divakar Singh, who attends the programme, describes it as a moment of pride for Varanasi.
“It is a memorable experience to watch the Indian Air Force’s air show at Namo Ghat in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The spirituality of Kashi, combined with the might of fighter aircraft in the sky, fills us with pride,” he says.
Singh adds that such events can encourage children and young people to develop respect for the country and an interest in national service.
Another spectator, Govind Pandey, says it is the first time he has witnessed an air show of this scale. Watching the programme in the presence of Modi, Varanasi’s representative in Parliament, makes the occasion particularly memorable, he says.
Pandey also expresses the hope that the display will inspire young people to consider careers in the Indian Air Force.
Garment Unit Opens New Employment Opportunities
Before attending the air show, Modi inaugurates Arvind Ltd’s garment manufacturing unit in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi.
Officials say the facility is intended to strengthen textile and garment manufacturing while supporting industrial development in the region.
During the visit, the Prime Minister interacts with around 300 women. The unit is expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for women, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding area.
Officials also say the initiative is expected to connect garments manufactured in Varanasi with international customers through access to global markets.
The facility adds a manufacturing focus to the visit, with employment generation and opportunities for women among its stated objectives.
Aviation Display and Industrial Development Mark Visit
Modi arrives at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning and travels by helicopter to Mirzamurad for the manufacturing unit’s inauguration.
He subsequently flies to the Police Lines before proceeding by road to Namo Ghat for the aerial display.
The visit brings together two distinct engagements: the inauguration of a manufacturing facility intended to support livelihoods and an Air Force programme showcasing aerial skill above one of Varanasi’s best-known riverfront locations.
