Varanasi, Oct 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Varanasi on Saturday to attend the concluding day of the Indian Air Force’s Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 at Namo Ghat, organised to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the IAF, officials said.
Singh, who represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, is also expected to offer prayers at the Sankat Mochan and Kaal Bhairav temples during his visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in the city on Sunday to witness the aerial display and participate in other engagements. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who reached Varanasi on Saturday, and Governor Anandiben Patel are also expected to attend the final-day programme.
PM Modi to Inaugurate Arvind Limited Garment Manufacturing Unit
According to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office-bearers, Modi will arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at around 10 am on Sunday. He is expected to travel by helicopter to Mirzamurad, along the Varanasi-Prayagraj National Highway, to inaugurate a new garment manufacturing facility of Arvind Limited.
An official statement said the facility represents a significant step towards strengthening India’s textile and apparel manufacturing ecosystem and promoting industrial development in the region.
At around noon, the Prime Minister is scheduled to reach Namo Ghat to witness the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026, being held under the theme ‘Wings Over Ganga’.
The three-day air show began on Thursday. The programme was suspended on Friday due to the legislative council elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Tejas, Rafale and Prachand to Feature in Air Display
The aerial demonstration is expected to showcase the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force through performances by several frontline aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, the SU-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, alongside transport aircraft.
Aircraft from the Indian Navy and the Indian Army are also expected to participate, highlighting jointness and coordination among the three services.
The IAF’s leading display teams, including the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, will perform coordinated formations and precision aerial manoeuvres.
Security Tightened Ahead of Prime Minister’s Visit
BJP office-bearers said party workers and local residents were expected to gather at designated points to welcome the Prime Minister. Welcome points have been arranged at Police Lines, Hukulganj Trimuhani, the timber market at Chauka Ghat, Bhadu Chungi and near the turn leading to Namo Ghat. Special arrangements have also been made at the venue.
Police said security had been strengthened across Varanasi ahead of the high-profile visit. The city has been divided into 32 zones, 50 sectors and 80 sub-sectors, with approximately 11,900 security personnel deployed to manage security, traffic and crowd movement.
