IAF Sarang Helicopter team to perform air show in Raipur on Chhattisgarh Foundation Day
Synopsis
The IAF's Sarang team — one of only three helicopter aerobatic units in the world — will fly over Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on 2 November for Chhattisgarh's Foundation Day. With two women pilots in the five-helicopter formation and indigenous Dhruv helicopters on show, the display carries a layered message of national pride, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and inspiration for the state's youth.
Key Takeaways
The IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team will perform at Sendh Lake, Nava Raipur on 2 November 2026 at 11 AM .
The five-helicopter formation will include two women pilots — Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya .
The team will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar .
Sarang is one of only three helicopter aerobatic teams in the world .
The display uses the indigenously built Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter from HAL .
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai received the team on 28 October and called their participation a 'matter of pride' for the state.
The Indian Air Force's Sarang Helicopter Display Team will stage a precision air show at Sendh Lake, Nava Raipur on 2 November 2026, as part of Chhattisgarh's State Foundation Day celebrations. The display, featuring a five-helicopter formation, is scheduled to begin at 11 AM and will include daring manoeuvres and high-precision coordination routines.
Chief Minister's Welcome and Key Remarks
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday, 28 October received the Sarang team members at his official residence in Raipur, where the team presented him with a memento. Sai described the participation of the globally recognised helicopter display unit as 'a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh' and expressed confidence that the show would leave 'an unforgettable impression' on the people of the state, particularly its youth and students.
The Chief Minister also underscored that the courage, accuracy, and teamwork demonstrated by Sarang pilots would motivate young people to 'dream big, face challenges, and pursue their goals with determination.' He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards self-reliance in defence and aviation, and that the use of the indigenously developed 'Dhruv' helicopter in the display would highlight the country's growing technical capabilities.
Team Composition and Leadership
The Sarang team for the Raipur display will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar. Notably, the five-helicopter formation includes two women pilots — Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya — marking a significant milestone for the team's representation at the state event.
Chief Minister Sai specifically acknowledged the women pilots' participation, stating their presence would inspire daughters of Chhattisgarh to aim for careers in demanding fields such as aviation and defence.
About the Sarang Display Team
Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar noted that the Sarang team is one of only three helicopter aerobatic teams in the world, placing it in a rare and elite bracket of aerial display units. Beyond entertainment, the team's mandate includes inspiring youth toward courage, discipline, and national service. The Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, which forms the backbone of the Sarang fleet, is a product of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), reinforcing India's indigenous defence manufacturing credentials.
Significance for Chhattisgarh Foundation Day
The Sarang air show is expected to be among the centrepiece attractions of the statehood day festivities. Chhattisgarh, carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000, marks its foundation day annually with cultural and civic events. This year's edition gains added prestige with the IAF's participation, drawing attention to both national defence capabilities and regional pride.
With the event just days away, organisers expect large public turnout at Sendh Lake, especially from schools and colleges across the state.
Point of View
With the Dhruv helicopter serving as a walking advertisement for HAL. The inclusion of two women pilots at a high-profile state event also signals an ongoing, if incremental, shift in how the armed forces project diversity publicly. What this story underplays is the sheer rarity of the Sarang unit: one of only three such teams globally is a credential that most state-level events do not command. Chhattisgarh's statehood day is punching above its usual weight this year.
NationPress
28 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team?
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team is the Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic helicopter unit and one of only three such teams in the world. It operates the indigenously built Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
When and where is the Sarang air show in Raipur?
The air show is scheduled for 2 November 2026 at 11 AM at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur, as part of Chhattisgarh's State Foundation Day celebrations.
Who is leading the Sarang team for the Raipur display?
Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar will lead the Sarang team for the Raipur air show. The five-helicopter formation also includes two women pilots, Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya.
Why is the Chhattisgarh Foundation Day celebrated on 1 November?
Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000, making that date its annual statehood day. The state marks the occasion each year with cultural, civic, and this year, aerial celebrations.
What helicopter does the Sarang team use in its displays?
The Sarang team uses the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, an indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), underscoring India's growing self-reliance in defence aviation.
