IAF 94th anniversary: Rafale, Sukhoi, Tejas thrill thousands at Varanasi air show
Synopsis
For the first time in its history, Varanasi's Ganga ghats became a runway of sorts — with Rafale, Sukhoi and Tejas jets screaming overhead as the IAF marked its 94th anniversary with the 'Wings Over Ganga' spectacle. The Chinook that traced '94' in the sky above Namo Ghat summed up an event that mixed martial pageantry with one of India's most iconic heritage waterfronts.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Air Force concluded its three-day 'Wings Over Ganga' air show in Varanasi on 25 October 2026 , marking its 94th anniversary .
Rafale , Sukhoi , and Tejas fighter jets, along with multiple helicopters, performed aerial manoeuvres over the river Ganga at Namo Ghat .
The 'Alaknanda Formation' was the centrepiece display, showcasing tri-service coordination among India's defence forces.
A Chinook helicopter drew the number '94' in the sky to mark the IAF anniversary.
The event was described as the first air show of its kind in Kashi (Varanasi) , drawing crowds from as far as Chandauli district.
The final day of the three-day 'Wings Over Ganga' air show in Varanasi on 25 October 2026 drew massive crowds to the Ganga ghats as Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and helicopters put on a breathtaking aerial display to mark the service's 94th anniversary. Thousands of spectators packed Namo Ghat and surrounding riverbanks, chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' as Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas jets roared overhead.
A Historic First for Kashi
Billed as the first-of-its-kind air show over the river Ganga, the event drew crowds from early Sunday morning, with many travelling from neighbouring districts. Abhinesh Singh, a 56-year-old Varanasi resident, captured the mood of many: 'Amazing, unimaginable! In the history of these 56 years, this is the first time something like this has happened.' Residents said the scale and organisation of the event had no precedent in the city's memory.
Key Aerial Highlights
The centrepiece of the show was the 'Alaknanda Formation', a coordinated aerial manoeuvre designed to demonstrate synergy among India's three defence services. A Chinook helicopter etched the number '94' in the sky, marking the IAF's anniversary in a visual flourish that drew widespread applause. The full display featured multiple fast jets — Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas — alongside precision helicopter sequences, all executed above the Ganga's iconic waterfront.
Public Reaction and Crowd Sentiment
Rajlakshmi Yadav, one of the spectators, said the show was unlike anything she had witnessed in Kashi before. Poonam Yadav described the jets as the country's modern-day warriors and expressed hope that the display would inspire the region's youth to pursue careers in the armed forces, saying she believed '80 to 90 per cent of the young people will aspire to become pilots and warriors' after witnessing the event. A visitor from Chandauli district, who had made a special trip to attend, said development in Varanasi had been visible and consistent in recent years.
IAF Anniversary and Broader Significance
Choosing Varanasi — one of India's most culturally significant cities and a major constituency — as the venue for the 94th IAF anniversary celebrations added symbolic weight to the occasion. The event was part of a wider effort by the IAF to bring its capability demonstrations to civilian audiences beyond traditional defence cantonments. From children to the elderly, spectators were seen photographing and filming the spectacle on mobile phones, with the images and videos circulating widely. The IAF's decision to hold a tri-service formation over a heritage riverfront marks a notable expansion of how the force connects with the public.
Point of View
And the crowds suggest it worked. Yet public air shows over dense urban waterfronts carry safety and airspace considerations that rarely surface in the celebratory coverage. The longer question is whether one-off spectacles translate into sustained recruitment interest or defence literacy among the young audiences they are designed to inspire.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 'Wings Over Ganga' air show in Varanasi?
'Wings Over Ganga' was a three-day Indian Air Force air show held in Varanasi to mark the IAF's 94th anniversary, concluding on 25 October 2026. It featured aerial displays by Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas fighter jets as well as helicopter manoeuvres over the river Ganga at Namo Ghat.
Which aircraft performed at the Varanasi air show?
The display included Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas fighter jets alongside several helicopters, including a Chinook that traced the number '94' in the sky. The highlight was the tri-service 'Alaknanda Formation'.
What was the 'Alaknanda Formation' at the IAF air show?
The 'Alaknanda Formation' was a coordinated aerial sequence showcasing synergy among India's three defence services — the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It was described as the centrepiece of the 'Wings Over Ganga' event.
Why was the air show held in Varanasi?
The IAF chose Varanasi to mark its 94th anniversary and to bring its capability demonstrations to a civilian audience at one of India's most iconic cultural locations. The event was described by attendees as the first air show of its kind in the city's history.
How did spectators react to the Varanasi air show?
Thousands of people gathered at Namo Ghat and surrounding Ganga ghats from early morning, with crowds chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' during the display. Residents from Varanasi and neighbouring districts described it as a historic and deeply inspiring occasion.
