Varanasi: Hovering in Kashi’s sky above Ganga, the fleet of Sarang helicopters and twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift helicopter Boeing CH-47 Chinook are fanning the excitement ahead of the proposed IAF Air Show-2026, from Oct 22 onwards.The show, scheduled on Oct 22, 24 and 25, will let people of Varanasi and surrounding districts experience the precision of aerobatic formations and the breathtaking manoeuvres of IAF on all three days. Prime Minister and Varanasi MP Narendra Modi will attend the show on Oct 25.Although the thunderous sound of three fighter jets flying for several minutes on July 11 did leave spectators curious, the beginning of the arrival of IAF choppers and fighter jets at the stations finalised for them to stand in Varanasi and surrounding districts like Ghazipur as well as the movement of some is making people excited about the show.In the past couple of days, people in the district got a glimpse of Chinook when it was flying above Ganga, while on Sunday, the Sarang helicopters were flying past Kashi. The Sarang helicopter display team will be among the key attractions at ‘Wings Over Ganga’, an aerial display and air show to commemorate the 94th anniversary of IAF. Sarang team, formed in 2003, has mesmerised audiences not just in the country but in multiple nations across the world.It is an opportunity to witness the spectacular aerial manoeuvres of Sarang. The team’s synchronised formations and precision flying reflect the highest standards of flying proficiency, discipline, teamwork and professionalism of IAF. Renowned for its distinctive displays, Sarang represents the capabilities of indigenous aviation and serves as an ambassador of IAF, showcasing its commitment to excellence and inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.There is excitement also about the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of IAF, which will showcase its spectacular nine-aircraft aerobatic display to exhibit the precision, discipline and professionalism. Flying nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft, manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the team will perform a series of intricate aerobatic manoeuvres that promise to leave spectators spellbound. Signature manoeuvres such as loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the iconic DNA manoeuvre will demonstrate exceptional coordination, control and synchronisation. With nine aircraft moving as one cohesive formation, complemented by vibrant saffron, white and green smoke trails, it will be a spectacle Varanasi has not witnessed yet.Amid the buzz at tea and betel kiosks of the culturally vibrant city, one could hear it being said in Bhojpuri, “Rafelwa bhi awat hao” (Rafale is also joining the show). What is more interesting is to see that not only youths but even the elderly and women are expressing their awareness regarding the diverse range of aircraft, including the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, IL-76, IL-78, C-295 and AN-32, alongside frontline fighter aircraft such as the SU-30MKI and Rafale, aircraft from the Indian Navy and Indian Army, which will be displaying solidarity and unity in operations here.As these aircraft take to the skies, the display will offer more than a spectacular visual experience. It will provide a glimpse into the training, technology, operational preparedness and human effort that stand behind every precisely executed manoeuvre. The performance of each aircraft and formation represents countless hours of preparation and the coordinated efforts of aircrew, engineers, technicians and ground support personnel.The aerial display will also serve as an important platform for public outreach and youth engagement. For thousands of young minds looking towards the skies with curiosity and ambition, the event will offer an inspiring introduction to the world of aviation, aerospace technology, leadership and service to the nation. It will also highlight the diverse career opportunities available in IAF and encourage the youth to consider IAF as a career that combines technology, responsibility, discipline and purpose.
