The Indian Air Force’s “Wings Over Ganges” aerial display ends today, Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Around 100 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas jets, fly over the Ganga to mark the IAF’s 94th anniversary. Public viewing is free from other ghats, and the show runs roughly late morning to early afternoon.
I’ve been following this event since the first show on Thursday, and honestly, it’s one of the biggest public air displays India has staged outside the usual Air Force Day venue. If you’re in Varanasi today, or just want to know what’s happening, here’s everything in one place.
What Is Wings Over Ganges?
“Wings Over Ganges” is the theme of the Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026. It celebrates 94 years of the IAF and is being held over the Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. There were three show days: October 22, October 24 and today, October 25.
According to the official PIB release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will watch today’s display as the chief guest at around 1 PM. The release also says aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are taking part, which is meant to show how the three services work together.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Event: Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026, “Wings Over Ganges”
- Occasion: 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force
- Venue: Namo Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Show dates: October 22, 24 and 25, 2026 (today is the final day)
- Aircraft: About 100 in total: 52 fighters, 15 transport aircraft, 32 helicopters and 1 heritage aircraft
- Fighters: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar
- Display teams: Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Sarang Helicopter Display Team
- Chief guest today: PM Narendra Modi, at around 1 PM
- Tickets: No public ticketing announced; Namo Ghat itself needs an IAF pass
Wings Over Ganges Timings for October 25
This is the part where reports don’t fully agree, so I’ll be straight with you. The local administration asked people to reach the ghats by 10 AM, with the flying starting at around 11 AM. Other reports describe two flying blocks with a short break in between, and Saturday’s show actually ran from about 11:40 AM to 2:30 PM.
So my simple advice: be at your spot by 10 AM and expect the action somewhere between 11 AM and 2:30 PM. The exact minute-by-minute schedule for today is unconfirmed, and with the Prime Minister attending, timings could shift a little.
Where can the public watch?
Namo Ghat is the main venue, but entry there is only through IAF passes. Local reports say ordinary visitors can watch from the other ghats along the river without any pass, and from both banks of the Ganga. Police have set up barricades, separate entry and exit routes, and CCTV on the ghats.
One thing to know: private boats on the Ganga have been stopped from 8 AM to 5 PM on show days for safety. So don’t plan a boat ride to get a “better view”.
Aircraft and Formations You’ll See
As PTI reported via ThePrint, aircraft are flying in from 12 air bases across the country. Here’s what stood out from the first two days.
Fighter jets
Six frontline fighter types are flying: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar. Reports say all six flew together in an arrowhead formation, which is rare to see at a public show. The home-grown LCA Tejas also did low-level aerobatics on its own.
Helicopters and transport aircraft
The helicopter line-up includes the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, Apache, Chinook, ALH and Mi-17. On the transport side, there’s the C-17 Globemaster, C-130, C-295, AN-32 and IL-78 tanker. The Navy sent a P-8I patrol aircraft and a Kamov-31 helicopter.
The formations with Kashi names
This is the bit I liked most. Many formations are named after Varanasi’s landmarks and spiritual identity. Some examples:
- Kashi: Three Kiran aircraft in a V shape, trailing the colours of the national flag
- Omkar: Mi-17 helicopters carrying the Tricolour
- Tridev: Helicopters from the Army, Navy and Air Force flying together
- Dashashwa: A C-17 Globemaster leading nine Surya Kiran Hawk jets
ETV Bharat also listed formation names such as Trishul, Mahadev, Neelkanth, Vishwanath, Sarnath and Assi. Reports also mention a simulated mock attack by Jaguars and a public air-to-air refuelling demo with an IL-78 and Mirage 2000s. Whether every single formation repeats today is unconfirmed, since the IAF can change the sequence.
How to Watch If You’re Not in Varanasi
The Air Force Station in Jaipur has said the display will be shown live at Jal Mahal, Jaipur, from 10 AM today. Beyond that, I couldn’t find an official announcement of a national TV channel or a specific YouTube live link for today’s show. It’s common for Doordarshan and the IAF’s official social media handles to share coverage of such events, but please treat any online live stream as unconfirmed until it actually goes live on an official channel.
Tips If You’re Going Today
Crowds will be heavy because the Prime Minister is attending. Here’s what I’d keep in mind:
- Reach early, ideally before 10 AM, and expect traffic diversions near the ghats
- Carry water, a cap and sunscreen; you’ll be standing in the open for hours
- Don’t climb rooftops, trees or ghat structures for a view
- Keep kids and elderly family members close and fix a meeting point
- Don’t pay anyone selling “tickets”; no public ticket sale has been announced
Big events like this also bring a lot of defence interest online. If you follow India’s security news, you might like my earlier explainer on the India-China LAC face-offs in Arunachal and what the MEA said.
Why This Air Show Matters
Most people only see IAF jets on TV during Republic Day or the Air Force Day parade. Holding a three-day display over the Ganga in Varanasi brings that experience to a huge crowd in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. It also puts the spotlight on indigenous aircraft like the Tejas and the LCH Prachand, and on the idea of the three services operating as one team.
For me, the mix of frontline jets with formations named after Kashi’s ghats and temples is what makes this one different. It’s not just a fly-past. It’s a show built around the city it’s held in.
FAQ
When is the Wings Over Ganges air show in Varanasi?
The display was held on October 22, 24 and 25, 2026. Sunday, October 25 is the final day, with the flying expected between roughly 11 AM and 2:30 PM. Exact timing for today is unconfirmed.
Do I need a ticket for the Varanasi air show?
No public ticketing has been announced. Namo Ghat needs an IAF pass, but local reports say people can watch from other ghats and both riverbanks for free.
Which aircraft are taking part?
About 100 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters, plus helicopters like the Apache, Chinook and LCH Prachand, and the Surya Kiran and Sarang display teams.
Is PM Modi attending the air show?
Yes. As per PIB, the Prime Minister will witness the display as chief guest on October 25 at around 1 PM, before travelling to Bhubaneswar.
Can I watch the air show online?
A live screening has been announced at Jal Mahal, Jaipur. An official national TV or online live stream for today had not been confirmed when I wrote this, so check the IAF’s official social media handles.