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IAF Suryakiran Aerobatics and Chetak Flower Shower Mark Somnath Temple’s 75-Year Rebirth

The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a special air show over the Somnath Temple in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The display featured six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft releasing indigenous saffron, white and green smoke trails representing the Indian Tricolour. An IAF Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals on the temple premises during the ceremonies. The event was part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years since the temple's reconstruction was inaugurated by India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1951.

Key Points: IAF Suryakiran Aerobatics, Green Smoke Trails at Somnath Temple

  • IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed over Somnath Temple
  • Aircraft released saffron, white & green smoke trails recreating Indian Tricolour
  • Chetak helicopter showered flower petals on temple premises
  • PM Modi attended rituals including Kumbhabhishek and Maha Puja
  • Event marks 75 years since reconstructed temple was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1951
2 min read

IAF Suryakiran aerobatics, green smoke trails; Chetak's flower shower mark Somnath Amrut Mahotsav

IAF Suryakiran team performs aerobatics over Somnath Temple, releasing saffron, white & green smoke trails. PM Modi attends Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of temple reconstruction.

"The 15-minute aerobatic display demonstrated the expertise of pilots flying fighter aircraft at extremely close distances from one another. - Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma"

Gir Somnath, May 11

The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a special air show over the Somnath Temple on Monday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the 'Somnath Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations marking 75 years of the reconstruction of the temple.

The aerial display was organised alongside the religious ceremonies and commemorative events at the Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and an important Hindu pilgrimage site.

The SKAT carried out synchronised formations and precision manoeuvres using Hawk Mk-132 aircraft over the temple town and the Arabian Sea coastline.

The performance took place after Prime Minister Modi participated in rituals, including Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja and Maha Puja at the temple during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.

According to officials, six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft took part in the aerial demonstration conducted in the Prime Minister's presence.

The jets flew in close formations and executed aerobatic patterns as large crowds gathered around the temple precincts and adjoining areas to witness the display.

A major highlight of the show was the use of indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Indian Air Force's Base Repair Depot in Nashik.

The aircraft released saffron, white and green smoke trails in the sky, recreating the colours of the Indian Tricolour during the performance.

An Indian Air Force Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals over the temple premises during the ceremonies.

Officials said rehearsal sorties conducted on Sunday had already drawn large crowds to Somnath, with spectators gathering to watch the pilots perform precision flying displays.

Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma said the 15-minute aerobatic display demonstrated the expertise of pilots flying fighter aircraft at extremely close distances from one another.

Officials said the aircraft took off from the Jamnagar Air Force Station and reached Somnath within around 18 minutes.

The Surya Kiran team, established in 1996, has conducted more than 800 air displays in India and abroad and is regarded as the Indian Air Force's premier aerobatic display team.

The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi and comprises 13 pilots along with operational support personnel.

The Somnath Amrut Mahotsav commemorates 75 years since the reconstructed Somnath Temple was inaugurated by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1951.

The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state ministers, saints, temple trustees and senior officials.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
James A
As an aviation enthusiast, I have to say the Suryakiran team is incredible. The close formation flying they do with the Hawk Mk-132 is extremely difficult—those pilots must have nerves of steel. The green smoke looked fantastic against the Arabian Sea backdrop. Somnath is already a spiritual place, and this just added to the grandeur.
P
Priya S
Beautiful fusion of our spiritual heritage and modern military prowess. The Chetak helicopter showering flower petals over the temple while fighter jets roar overhead—what a spectacle! But honestly, I hope the government spends equally on improving healthcare and education in rural Gujarat. Development should match the grandeur of these events. Still, a proud moment for every Indian 🙏
R
Rohit P
Wow! 75 years since Somnath's reconstruction—that's a powerful milestone. Dr. Rajendra Prasad must be smiling somewhere. The saffron, white, and green smoke trails over a Jyotirlinga... chills! Our IAF is truly world-class. Thanks to PM Modi for making this happen. One suggestion: they should livestream these air shows more widely for those of us who couldn't travel to Somnath.
S
Sarah B
The spectacle is undoubtedly impressive—the Suryakirans are among the best in the world. But I find it a bit concerning that we're mixing military demonstrations with religious events in such a public way. The temple's significance should be the focus, not political photo ops. That said, the pilots deserve full respect for their skill. Just my two cents.
V
Vikram M
The synchronization was top-notch! Six Hawks flying in tight

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