93RD AIR FORCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN GUWAHATI, ASSAM, A VISUAL EXTRAVAGANZA

The skies were roaring several times the week before, and, with so much tensions going on especially after the Operation Sindoor, first thought that came in the mind was are we drill-practicing for some war ( this time in the eastern frontier ). My mother even asked, why were they wasting so much petrol unnecessarily. Seriously, everyday with Rafales, Tejas, Sukhois, MIGs vrooming over our heads...it was quite unnnatural. Then of course, we got the news that they were practicing for the upcoming 'air show' in celebration of 93rd Indian Air Force Day where even defence minister would be present. Its not something that happens often, especially, in Guwahati ( infact, it is first of its kind ) - so, the residents were no doubt looking forward to it. Everyday the jets would practice, half of the city residents would be peering out of their windows. I raced to my terrace several times myself, so, the enthusiasm was in full swing along with patriotism. The neighbourhood kids would scream in delight 'jai hind' 'hindustan zindabad' each time these planes flew past. So, needless to say, those lazy enough to go to the parade spot ie Lachit Ghat, perched themselves in their terraces and roads on the final D-day. I was planning to go to the venue, but something came up and had to satisfy myself cheering from my terrace too. It was rather funny as all our neighbours were in their terraces too. And, then, they started coming - the planes, helicopters, jets et all.


planting myself on my terrace, I watch the amazing display with delight...


apache helicopters carrying flags, and doing acrobatics...


then, it was turn of the mean machines - the fighter jets...


theme of the show was - “Infallible, Impervious and Precise" organised by eastern air command of the IAF
motive was to inspire youth, honor the legacy of the IAF, and strengthen public engagement with the armed forces.






The event was also attended by Assam Governor, Assam CM, Air Chief Marshal along with other dignitaries. Not just a spectacle of aerial skill or power display, the air parade's aim was to honour the courage, discipline, and unwavering spirit of its personnels with tributes to the various sacrifices by its air warriors and their dedication in safeguarding the nation. The aerial maneuvers and fly past formations were named after several Northeast landmarks, such as Lachit, Kaziranga, Manas, Elephant (Haati), and Barak, blending heritage with modern aviation prowess. They also paid a special tribute to Assam's cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The flying machines ( over 75 ) — included Rafale, Sukhoi, Apache, MiG, IL-78 refueler, Mirage, Jaguar, C-17 Globemaster, Advanced Light Helicopter MK1, C-130 Hercules, Antonov AN-32, and Surya Kiran — operated from seven air bases in the region: Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Chabua, Hasimara, Bagdogra, and Panagarh.

Address : Lachit Ghat, Guwahati
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