PM Modi attends IAF day aerial display in Varanasi; Tejas, Rafale among aircraft on show

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Indian Air Force (IAF) Day Aerial Display-2026 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on Sunday, marking the force’s 94th anniversary under the theme “Wings over Ganges”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the event, which featured aerobatic performances and displays of military aircraft.

Surya Kiran, Sarang teams take to the skies

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) took to the skies over Varanasi as part of the celebrations. The IAF’s premier display teams, including SKAT and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, were scheduled to participate in the aerial showcase at Namo Ghat.

The display featured a 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 the Indian Army were also expected to participate, highlighting jointness in operations.

PM Modi inaugurates garment  manufacturing facility

Before attending the aerial display, Modi inaugurated Arvind Limited’s new garment manufacturing facility in Varanasi, highlighting the region’s potential for industrial investment, manufacturing-led growth and women-led development.

The inauguration marks a step towards strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s position as a destination for industrial investment and expanding its textile and apparel manufacturing sector.

The initiative, led predominantly by women, also reflects a focus on women’s participation in the workforce and the promotion of women-led development. The facility is expected to contribute to industrial growth in the region while creating opportunities in garment manufacturing.

Women welcome PM with tricolour, flowers and traditional drums

Earlier in the day, women welcomed the Prime Minister to Varanasi with BJP flags, the national Tricolour, flowers and traditional drums. They expressed gratitude for his initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment as he arrived to attend the IAF Day Aerial Display-2026 as the Chief Guest.

Modi reached Varanasi Police Line and proceeded by road to Namo Ghat. Eight welcome points were arranged along the route, with women greeting him at the first point, followed by other groups.

Poonam Maurya, District Panchayat President of Varanasi, said the Prime Minister had consistently supported women since taking office, helping them gain self-respect, become self-reliant and develop confidence.

“Ever since the Prime Minister took office, he has strongly supported women. Women used to be just added as names to the population, and they were never given priority anywhere. But ever since the Prime Minister came in, he has given women self-respect, made them self-reliant, and given them inner strength,” Maurya said.

She added that women in Kashi were eager to welcome the Prime Minister, who represents the Varanasi constituency.