Wings Over Ganges: IAF air show returns to Varanasi on Oct 24-25 at Namo Ghat
Synopsis
The IAF's 'Wings Over Ganges' air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi is entering its final stretch — and the stakes are higher than usual. With PM Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh all reportedly set to attend on October 25, and nearly 12,000 security personnel deployed, what began as a 94th-anniversary spectacle has become a major national event blending military aviation, political symbolism, and India's most iconic riverfront.
Key Takeaways
The IAF 'Wings Over Ganges' air show is being held at Namo Ghat, Varanasi on 24 and 25 October 2026 .
The event marks the Indian Air Force's 94th anniversary and showcases its operational capabilities and flying precision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , CM Yogi Adityanath , and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are reportedly expected to attend on 25 October .
Around 11,900 police personnel have been deployed, supplemented by PAC, NDRF, SDRF, bomb disposal, and ATS units.
CM Yogi conducted an on-site inspection at Namo Ghat on 14 October to review security and logistical preparations.
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) 'Wings Over Ganges' air show is under way across 24 and 25 October 2026 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, drawing large crowds to witness precision aerial formations and high-speed manoeuvres against the backdrop of the Ganga. The two-day continuation follows an earlier display on 22 October, offering spectators who missed that event a second chance to witness the spectacle.
What the Air Show Showcases
The programme is organised to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force. It features synchronised aerial formations, high-speed manoeuvres, and displays of combat readiness designed to demonstrate the force's operational capabilities, technological strength, and exceptional flying skills. The IAF's Central Air Command described the event as 'a magnificent confluence of India's rich cultural heritage, national pride and the indomitable spirit of the Indian Air Force.'
High-Profile Attendance Expected on October 25
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the 25 October programme at Namo Ghat, according to reports. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are also reportedly expected to be present. The anticipated high-profile attendance has prompted extensive preparations by the state administration and security agencies ahead of the final day.
Security Arrangements at Namo Ghat
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal confirmed that around 11,900 police personnel have been deployed for the event. Personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), bomb disposal squads, and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) are also part of the security deployment. Authorities have put comprehensive traffic management, medical emergency, and crowd-control arrangements in place.
Chief Minister's On-Site Inspection
On 14 October, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Namo Ghat to review preparations for the air show and the Prime Minister's proposed visit. The Police Commissioner, District Magistrate, and Army officials briefed him using project maps during the on-site inspection. Adityanath issued instructions to ensure robust security and effective crowd management, and directed officials to strengthen arrangements at other major ghats along the Ganga.
What Comes Next
With the final scheduled display set for Sunday, 25 October, Varanasi is bracing for peak footfall at Namo Ghat. The event represents one of the IAF's most high-visibility public outreach efforts of the year, combining military aviation with the cultural significance of one of India's most iconic riverfront locations. The scale of security mobilisation underscores the strategic importance the Centre and the state government attach to the occasion.
Point of View
The Chief Minister, and the Defence Minister at Namo Ghat on October 25 elevates it into a political statement about Varanasi's centrality to the ruling dispensation. The mobilisation of nearly 12,000 security personnel for a public air show is a striking figure that points to the dual nature of the event: military outreach and state-managed optics. It is worth watching whether the IAF's genuine operational messaging — about capability, readiness, and the 94th anniversary — gets the airtime it deserves alongside the VIP spectacle. Historically, IAF public events have been effective recruitment and image tools; their impact depends on how much of the crowd engagement translates beyond a single afternoon.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Wings Over Ganges' air show in Varanasi?
'Wings Over Ganges' is a multi-day Indian Air Force aerial display held at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, organised to mark the IAF's 94th anniversary. The show features synchronised formations and high-speed manoeuvres showcasing the force's operational capabilities and combat readiness.
When and where is the IAF air show in Varanasi being held?
The air show is being held at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on 24 and 25 October 2026, with an earlier display also having taken place on 22 October. The final scheduled performance is on Sunday, 25 October.
Is PM Modi attending the Wings Over Ganges air show?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly expected to attend the October 25 programme at Namo Ghat. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are also reportedly expected to be present on the final day.
What security arrangements have been made for the Varanasi air show?
Around 11,900 police personnel have been deployed for the event, according to Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal. Additional forces including PAC, NDRF, SDRF, bomb disposal squads, and the ATS are also part of the security setup, alongside traffic and crowd-control measures.
Why is the IAF holding the 'Wings Over Ganges' event?
The event is organised to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, intended to showcase the force's precision, technological strength, and flying skills to the public. It is also part of the IAF's broader outreach to foster national pride and awareness of its capabilities.
