Fighter jets and display teams roared over the Ganga on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the Indian Air Force's "Wings over Ganges" air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, PTI reported in a story carried by NDTV.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined him for the final day of the three-day show, held for the IAF's 94th anniversary.
What flew
- Three Kiran aircraft flew in a V formation, trailing the colours of the national flag.
- Mi-17 helicopters carrying the tricolour flew in an "Omkar" formation.
- Fighters including the Sukhoi-30 MKI and the indigenous Tejas, and the LCH Prachand helicopter, took part, according to IAF officials.
- The Surya Kiran aerobatic team showed precision formation flying, and the Sarang helicopter team performed stunts.
Crowds along the route
Large crowds lined the road from the Police Lines to Namo Ghat, where residents and BJP workers welcomed the Prime Minister with rose petals and music.
Spectator Govind Pandey said it was the first air show of this scale he had seen, and that such displays could inspire young people to join the Air Force.
A new factory
Earlier in the day, Modi opened a new garment manufacturing unit of Arvind Ltd at Mirzamurad and met about 300 women there. Officials said the unit is expected to create jobs, especially for women, and connect garments made in Varanasi with international buyers.