VARANASI — The Indian Air Force staged its 94th anniversary aerial display over Namo Ghat on Friday, filling the skies above the Ganges with aerobatic manoeuvres before large crowds along the riverfront.

The Varanasi event marked the first time Air Force Day celebrations have been held at Kashi, moving the marquee flypast away from its traditional northern bases. The Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team anchored the programme, alongside fighter jets and transport aircraft.

District administration arranged crowd management, parking and emergency medical cover along the ghats, with civic authorities issuing traffic advisories ahead of the display. The event drew spectators to Namo Ghat and surrounding riverfront areas built under the city's redevelopment programme.

The display formed part of a wider series of Air Force Day observances held across the country, including formal parades and investitures at air bases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose parliamentary constituency is Varanasi, had promoted the city as a venue for national ceremonial events in recent years.

An IAF spokesperson said the choice of Namo Ghat as tribute to Kashi's cultural prominence brings the celebration closer to the people of eastern Uttar Pradesh.