The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will perform a special air show over the Somnath Temple on May 11 as part of the ‘Somnath Amrut Mahotsav-2026’, marking 75 years of the shrine’s reconstruction, officials said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the celebrations, which will also feature religious rituals and a public address.
Rehearsal sorties carried out on Sunday morning drew large crowds, with spectators gathering around the temple town to watch the pilots execute precision formations and close-range flying displays.
A key highlight of the event will be indigenous smoke pods developed by the Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik, which will emit saffron, white and green trails to recreate the Indian tricolour in the sky.
An Indian Air Force Chetak helicopter will also shower flower petals over the temple during the ceremony.
Also read: IAF’s Surya Kiran team dazzles Hamirpur residents
“The aerobatic display will feature synchronised formations and daring aerial manoeuvres by pilots flying red-and-white Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. The 15-minute show would demonstrate the pilots’ expertise in flying fighter aircraft at extremely close distances from one another,” Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma said.
The aircraft will take off from the Jamnagar Air Force Station and reach Somnath within about 18 minutes, covering roughly 182 kilometres, officials said.
The team, led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, comprises 13 pilots, while 25–30 Air Force personnel will handle operational aspects such as flight control, safety, bird hazard management and communication.
Established in 1996, the Surya Kiran team has conducted over 800 air displays across India and abroad, representing the Indian Air Force in several countries including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav commemorates 75 years since the temple’s reconstruction and inauguration by India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad.
During his visit, Modi will hold a roadshow from the helipad to the statue of Veer Hamirji Gohil and participate in rituals such as ‘abhishek’, ‘dhwaj pooja’ and ‘maha pooja’ at the temple, before addressing a public gathering at Sadbhavana Ground.
Follow us
