PM Modi in Varanasi for IAF Air Force Day show at Namo Ghat
Synopsis
PM Modi chose his own parliamentary constituency as the stage for the IAF's 94th Air Force Day — a rare hosting of 'Wings Over Ganga' along Varanasi's iconic ghats rather than at the traditional Hindon venue. The visit doubled as an industrial push, with the inauguration of Arvind Limited's new textile unit expected to create jobs for women in one of UP's key manufacturing corridors.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on 25 October 2026 for the two-day Air Force Day Aerial Display 2026 at Namo Ghat .
The event marks the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) , themed 'Wings Over Ganga' .
Modi inaugurated an Arvind Limited garment unit in Mirzamurad , spanning 7 acres and focused on women's employment.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also attending the air show.
Security cover includes Water Police , PAC , NDRF , SDRF , divers, and military helicopter surveillance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Sunday, 25 October 2026, to attend the two-day Air Force Day Aerial Display 2026 at Namo Ghat, marking the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The event, themed 'Wings Over Ganga', draws together top political leadership and thousands of spectators along the banks of the Ganga.
Textile Unit Inauguration in Mirzamurad
Before heading to the air show, Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing facility of Arvind Limited in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi. Spanning approximately 7 acres, the unit will produce undergarments, T-shirts, shorts, and lowers, and is expected to generate employment — particularly for women workers. The Prime Minister inspected the factory floor and interacted directly with female workers to learn about ongoing production activities.
Officials said garments produced at the facility are set to reach global markets, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a growing hub in India's textile and apparel export chain. The inauguration is part of a broader push to strengthen women-led economic development in the region.
Wings Over Ganga: The Air Show at Namo Ghat
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also present at the event alongside Modi. Earlier in the day, Adityanath extended a formal welcome to both Modi and Singh, underlining the occasion's significance for national defence, industrial development, and the region's cultural heritage.
Large crowds have assembled at Namo Ghat, Bhosale Ghat, and on the opposite bank of the Ganga near Ramnagar to witness IAF aerial manoeuvres. Cultural programmes are also being staged at the venue, adding to what officials describe as a 'patriotic atmosphere' along the ghats.
Security Arrangements
Extensive security has been deployed across the ghats. Personnel from the Water Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with divers, have been positioned at Namo Ghat and surrounding areas. Military helicopters are conducting aerial surveillance as an additional security layer.
Significance of the 94th IAF Anniversary
The IAF was formally established on 8 October 1932, and the annual Air Force Day typically features flypasts, aerobatic displays, and formation flying by frontline aircraft. Hosting the 2026 edition at Varanasi — along the iconic Ganga ghats — marks a departure from its traditional venue at Hindon Air Base near Delhi, reflecting a deliberate effort to bring the event closer to the public. The celebration is set to continue on Monday, 26 October 2026.
Point of View
Or whether they remain a ribbon-cutting headline. The shift of Air Force Day away from Hindon also signals a broader government effort to 'democratise' defence ceremonials by staging them in front of mass civilian audiences.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Air Force Day 2026 being held in Varanasi?
The IAF's 94th Air Force Day aerial display is being held at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, as part of an effort to host the celebration in front of a large civilian audience along the iconic Ganga ghats, departing from the traditional Hindon Air Base venue near Delhi. Prime Minister Modi's constituency connection to Varanasi also adds political and symbolic weight to the choice.
What did PM Modi inaugurate in Varanasi before the air show?
Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing facility of Arvind Limited in the Mirzamurad area of Varanasi, spanning about 7 acres. The unit will produce undergarments, T-shirts, shorts, and lowers, with a focus on generating employment for women workers.
Who else is attending the IAF Air Force Day event in Varanasi?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are attending the event alongside PM Modi at Namo Ghat on 25 October 2026.
What security arrangements have been made for the Varanasi air show?
Personnel from the Water Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with divers, have been deployed at Namo Ghat and surrounding ghats. Military helicopters are also conducting aerial surveillance over the area.
How significant is the IAF's 94th anniversary?
The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932, making 2026 its 94th year. The annual Air Force Day typically features aerobatic displays, formation flying, and flypasts by frontline aircraft, and is one of the most high-profile public showcases of India's air power.
