Prime Minister and Defence Minister to Attend Air Force Day Grand Finale in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the final day of the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 in Varanasi today. The event marks the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force and takes place to commemorate the milestone.

The Event

Titled 'Wings over Ganges', the show starts at around 1pm at Namo Ghat. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also attend the display. The aerial show features fighter aircraft like the Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, SU-30MKI, and Rafale, alongside various transport planes. Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are also joining the display to show joint operations. Wing Commander Debartho Dhar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence in Prayagraj, stated that the stage is set for the grand finale.

Security and Preparations

Authorities have set up tight security arrangements across Varanasi, especially along the Ganga ghats and VVIP routes. Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said adequate police personnel, drones, and CCTV cameras are deployed in sensitive areas. Officials received strict orders to prevent any laxity while ensuring public convenience and crowd management. Chief Minister Adityanath reviewed the preparations on Saturday and directed officials to avoid unnecessary barricading for easy public access to the ghats. Authorities also banned the slaughter and sale of meat within a 20-30-kilometre radius of the venue from October 19 to 26.

Industrial Visit

Before the air show at around 11am, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate Arvind Limited's new garment manufacturing facility in the Kachhwa area. Kashi BJP media in-charge Navaratan Rathi said the Prime Minister is expected to interact with about 300 women trained in garment manufacturing at the new plant.

Context

Air Force Day events are traditionally held at major military stations across the country to showcase aerial capabilities and connect with the public. Varanasi's ghats offer a wide open backdrop over the river for large-scale public air demonstrations. Such high-profile visits also frequently combine major national defence showcases with local industrial and infrastructure inaugurations.