IAF Suryakiran air show lights up Somnath Amrut Mahotsav in Gujarat

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) performed a spectacular air show over the Somnath Temple as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations marking 75 years of the temple’s reconstruction.

The aerial display took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who participated in religious rituals and ceremonies at the historic temple earlier in the day.

The Surya Kiran team carried out synchronised formations and precision aerobatic manoeuvres using Hawk Mk-132 aircraft across the Somnath skyline and the Arabian Sea coastline, drawing huge crowds to the temple town.

According to officials, six Hawk Mk-132 aircraft participated in the demonstration, flying in close formations and executing complex aerial patterns before spectators gathered around the temple premises and nearby areas.

A major highlight of the show was the use of indigenous coloured smoke pods developed at the Air Force’s Base Repair Depot in Nashik. The aircraft released saffron, white and green smoke trails, recreating the Indian Tricolour in the sky.

An Indian Air Force Chetak helicopter also showered flower petals over the temple complex during the celebrations.

The performance was organised after Prime Minister Modi took part in rituals including Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja and Maha Puja as part of the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav events.

Officials said rehearsal sorties conducted a day earlier had already attracted large crowds eager to witness the precision flying displays.

Wing Commander Janmeet Sharma said the 15-minute aerobatic performance showcased the expertise of pilots flying fighter aircraft at extremely close distances with high precision.

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

Established in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team has conducted over 800 air displays in India and abroad and is regarded as the Indian Air Force’s premier aerobatic display unit.

The team is led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi and includes 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 Rajendra Prasad in 1951.

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