Varanasi: The ghats and sand bed on both banks of river Ganga were filled with cheers as young boys and girls chanted Har Har Mahadev, watching the Sarang, Suryakiran team and fighter jets draw the tricolour and other images in the sky during their manoeuvres on the second day of IAF’s air show, ‘Wings Over Ganga’, on Saturday.IAF’s helicopters, fighter jets and other aircraft repeated the same sequence of 25 formations, which were performed on the inaugural day on Oct 22 and will be performed again on Sunday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath and chief minister Yogi Adityanath will be present among the audience.Under the ongoing show over Ganga, the flypast unfolds as a sequence of symbolic aerial formations showcasing India’s air power, coordination and precision. The Kashi formation opens with three Kiran aircraft in a V-shape, trailing the tricolour, followed by Varuna’s ALH Mk III helicopters demonstrating slithering. Kedar, Hanuman, Sarnath and Assi highlight solo excellence through Rafale, Su-30MKI, Harvard and LCA Tejas low-level aerobatics.At the ‘Wings Over Ganga’ air show, which marks IAF’s 94th anniversary, the Sarang helicopter display team is thrilling the crowds with precision aerobatics. Squadron Leader Ankita Singh said the brief spectacle reflects months of preparation, years of training and seamless teamwork. Flying indigenous ALH Dhruv helicopters in tight formations demands discipline, coordination and detailed briefings. The five-helicopter team includes women pilots and crew on two aircraft during the major Varanasi event.If Sarang brings the signature helicopter display, in Omkar formation, Mi-17 V5s carry the national and IAF flags and Ganga’s Chetaks shower petals.Rudra features a high-speed Su-30MKI pass. Bhagirath combines LCH and Apache attack helicopters in diamond formation, while Tridev unites Navy, Air Force and Army helicopters in a Vic. Alaknanda, Bhairav, Kailash, Trilochan, Natraj and Mahadev display heavy-lift, transport, surveillance, maritime and refuelling capabilities with Chinook, ALH, C-295, Dornier, C-130, An-32, AEW&C, MiG-29, P-8I, Mirage-2000 and IL-78 aircraft. Vishwanath, Pashupati and Neelkanth present Su-30MKI, Jaguar and Rafale formations.With the appearance of the famous Operation Sindoor formation — Prachand — with six frontline fighters in an arrowhead formation amid thunderous sound, the river banks filled with crowds are echoing with the chanting of Har Har Mahadev. Dashashwa pairs a C-17 Globemaster with nine Suryakiran Hawks before their aerobatic display. The sequence also contrasts vintage grace, modern sensors, lift strength and strike power, turning every pass into a visual account of training, technology, coordination and national pride across Ganga riverfront.Compared to the inaugural day, a larger crowd had occupied ghats along river Ganga, especially adjacent to Namo ghat, while the sand bed on the opposite bank of the river too allowed the spectators to enjoy the show despite the bright sun and scorching heat.Thrilled to see these formations, Sakshi, an NCC Air Wing cadet, said, “It is proud moment for us to see the IAF’s best flying machines hovering the sky of our own city.” Another cadet, Arohi, said that apart from experiencing this proud moment, it was her dream to fly these aircraft someday.Ishita Agrawal said, “This is most exciting show I saw in my life. This is possible due to the grace of God and PM Narendra Modi.”Sushil said a marvellous air show added amazing memories as he had never imagined it in Kashi.
