IAF Suryakiran aerobatics over Somnath Temple mark 75 years of reconstruction
Synopsis
Six IAF Hawk Mk-132 jets painted the skies above Somnath in saffron, white, and green smoke trails as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a precision air show in PM Modi's presence — the centrepiece of a celebration marking 75 years since Dr Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the reconstructed Somnath Temple in 1951.
Key Takeaways
The IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a 15-minute air show over Somnath Temple on 11 May 2025 in the presence of PM Narendra Modi .
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft flew from Jamnagar Air Force Station , reaching Somnath in approximately 18 minutes .
Indigenous saffron, white, and green smoke pods — developed at the IAF's Base Repair Depot, Nashik — recreated the Indian Tricolour in the sky.
An IAF Chetak helicopter showered flower petals over the temple premises during the ceremonies.
The event marks 75 years since Dr Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the reconstructed Somnath Temple in 1951 .
The Surya Kiran team, led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi , has conducted over 800 air displays since its founding in 1996 .
The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) performed a special air show over the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath, Gujarat, on Monday, 11 May, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' — a landmark celebration marking 75 years since the reconstructed temple was inaugurated. The aerial display, conducted over one of India's most revered 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and the Arabian Sea coastline, drew large crowds to the temple town.
The Aerial Display
Six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft took part in the aerobatic demonstration, executing synchronised formations and precision manoeuvres over the temple precinct and the surrounding coastline. The performance lasted approximately 15 minutes, with the jets flying in close formations and executing intricate aerobatic patterns before thousands of spectators gathered around the temple premises and adjoining areas.
A standout feature of the show was the use of indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force's Base Repair Depot in Nashik. The aircraft released saffron, white, and green smoke trails — recreating the colours of the Indian Tricolour — across the skies above Somnath. An Indian Air Force Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals over the temple premises during the ceremonies, adding a ceremonial flourish to the occasion.
What the Pilots Said
Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma noted that the 15-minute aerobatic display showcased the expertise required to fly fighter aircraft at extremely close distances from one another — a testament to the precision and coordination demanded of SKAT pilots. Officials confirmed that rehearsal sorties conducted on Sunday had already drawn large crowds to Somnath, with spectators gathering a day in advance to witness the practice runs.
The aircraft took off from Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath within approximately 18 minutes.
About the Surya Kiran Team
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, established in 1996, has conducted more than 800 air displays across India and abroad and is regarded as the Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic display team. The team is currently led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi and comprises 13 pilots along with operational support personnel.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav commemorates 75 years since the reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. Prior to the air show, Prime Minister Modi participated in religious rituals at the temple, including Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja, and Maha Puja. The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state ministers, saints, temple trustees, and senior officials.
The convergence of a high-profile aerobatic display with one of Hinduism's most sacred sites underscores the occasion's significance — both as a religious milestone and a demonstration of India's aerospace capabilities.
Point of View
Complete with Tricolour smoke trails, at one of Hinduism's most sacred Jyotirlingas sends a layered message about national identity and civilisational continuity. Notably, the use of indigenously developed smoke pods from Nashik adds a quiet 'Make in India' subtext to the ceremony. The broader pattern — high-visibility military assets at religious milestones — reflects a governing style that blends cultural nationalism with institutional prestige, a combination that resonates deeply with the event's target audience but invites scrutiny over the boundaries between state ceremony and religious observance.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav?
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav is a celebration marking 75 years since the reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951. The event featured religious rituals, commemorative ceremonies, and a special IAF aerobatic display in the presence of PM Narendra Modi.
What did the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team perform at Somnath?
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team flew six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in synchronised formations and precision manoeuvres over the Somnath Temple and the Arabian Sea coastline. The 15-minute display included indigenous saffron, white, and green smoke trails recreating the Indian Tricolour.
Where did the IAF aircraft take off from for the Somnath air show?
The six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft took off from Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath within approximately 18 minutes for the aerobatic display.
Who leads the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team?
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi and comprises 13 pilots along with operational support personnel. Established in 1996, the team has conducted over 800 air displays in India and abroad.
What rituals did PM Modi perform at the Somnath Temple?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja, and Maha Puja at the Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations on 11 May 2025.
