Wings Over Ganga: Rafale and Sukhoi Light Up Varanasi Sky

Varanasi/Chandauli, October 25: The air show 'Wings Over Ganga' concluded in grand style on Saturday, drawing vast crowds to the river in Varanasi. It was the first time such an aerial display had been held in Kashi, and the closing day became the most memorable part of the three-day programme. The event was organised to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.

By morning, people had already started filling Namo Ghat and the riverbanks on both sides of the Ganga. Visitors from Varanasi, Chandauli and several other eastern Uttar Pradesh districts came to see the spectacle. As fighter jets and helicopters flew over the river, thousands of spectators raised slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai and applauded the Air Force.

The Alaknanda Formation was the centrepiece of the performance, reflecting the coordination among India's three defence forces. A Chinook helicopter then created the shape of '94' across the sky, marking the Air Force's 94th anniversary. The gesture also honoured the service's role in national defence, military operations, victories, sacrifices and humanitarian work.

When Sukhoi, Rafale and Tejas jets thundered over the Ganga and helicopters performed astonishing manoeuvres, the entire sky seemed alive with excitement. Visitors of every age captured the scenes on their mobile phones.

The first air show of its kind in Kashi generated strong enthusiasm among residents, who showered praise on the event.

Abhinesh Singh, a Varanasi resident, called the show astonishing and unprecedented. Aged 56, he said such a sight had never appeared in his lifetime. He praised the Air Force's arrangements, said everything was well organised, and noted that the Prime Minister had sat with the public at Namo Ghat, making the event a matter of pride for the people of Kashi.

Rajlakshmi Yadav said she had never seen anything like it in Kashi and that Modi's leadership had made such an experience possible for the city's residents.

Poonam Yadav described Kashi as a peaceful and beautiful city, and said the modern 'Avengers' warriors had inspired a strong sense of pride among the youth. She expressed the belief that 80 to 90 percent of young people might now aspire to become pilots and soldiers.

A resident of Chandauli said Varanasi had seen considerable development since Modi became Prime Minister, including cleaner roads and drains and an upgraded railway station. He said he had visited the show two days earlier and returned again today, adding that he wished the show would never end.

Over three days, 'Wings Over Ganga' has won a special place in the hearts of Kashi's people and has inspired new patriotism and a fresh desire among young people to join the Air Force.