Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the Indian Air Force's (IAF) aerial display, 'Wings over Ganges', at Namo Ghat in Varanasi to mark the force's 94th anniversary.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event, held on the final day of the three-day air show.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Visuals of IAF's LCA Tejas in Varanasi as the city hosts 'Wings over Ganges' at the 94th Indian Air Force Day Celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath witness the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026. (Source: DD News)
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2026
The display, which lasted over an hour, featured the IAF's premier aerobatic teams, including the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team. Fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar, showcased their capabilities alongside the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, transport aircraft and other helicopters.
One of the highlights was the 'Kashi formation', in which three Kiran aircraft flew in a V formation, creating a spectacle in the colours of the national Tricolour. Mi-17 helicopters also participated in the 'Omkar formation', flying with the national flag.
Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army were also expected to participate, highlighting joint operational capabilities.
Many residents described the event as a memorable opportunity to witness the IAF's capabilities against the backdrop of the Ganga and Varanasi's ghats.
Modi's visit also prompted enthusiastic welcomes along the route from the Police Lines to Namo Ghat. Residents and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers greeted the prime minister with flowers, traditional music and cultural performances at designated points.
Poonam Maurya, Varanasi District Panchayat president, said women were eager to welcome Modi, who represents the constituency in Parliament, and credited his government with promoting women's empowerment.
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing facility of Arvind Ltd in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. The facility is expected to strengthen the region's textile and apparel manufacturing sector, attract industrial investment and create employment opportunities, particularly for women.
During the visit, the prime minister also interacted with around 300 women. Officials said the unit aims to boost local economic activity and connect garments manufactured in Varanasi with international markets.
Modi arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport on Sunday morning and travelled to Mirzamurad for the inauguration before proceeding to the Police Lines and then Namo Ghat for the air show.
