Guwahati witnessed a grand spectacle on Saturday as the Indian Air Force (IAF) staged its first-ever full-scale air show in the city to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of Air Force Day. The skies above the Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat were lit up with a breathtaking display of skill, power and precision.
A special moment of the day was reserved to honour Guwahati’s own music icon, Zubeen Garg. As the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team soared through the skies in perfectly synchronized formations, his hit song “Mayabini” reverberated across Lachit Ghat, blending seamlessly with the roar of jet engines. The aerial tribute featured a flypast that was choreographed to the rhythm of the song, creating a magical spectacle that mesmerized the crowd.
Thousands of spectators from Guwahati and nearby areas gathered to witness the event. The air show featured more than 75 aircraft from seven IAF bases Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Chabua, Hasimara, Bagdogra, and Panagarh. The aircraft included some of the IAF’s most advanced and iconic machines such as Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage, MiG-29, Apache helicopters, IL-78 refuellers, and heavy transport aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules. 
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) performed breathtaking manoeuvres, loops, and synchronized formations, drawing loud applause from the crowd. One of the highlights of the day was the play of Zubeen Garg’s popular song “Mayabini” during a flypast, serving as a special tribute to the beloved artist. The tribute symbolized the bond between art, culture, and the spirit of the nation’s defenders.
This year’s Air Force Day carried the theme “Infallible, Impervious and Precise,” reflecting the operational strength, discipline, and resilience of the Indian Air Force. Special arrangements were made to allow students and residents of old-age homes to watch the aerial display up close. Many others watched from various city points, including Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan.
The event was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with his wife, senior Air Force officials, and dignitaries from the state government. The gathering celebrated the courage, dedication, and technical expertise of India’s air warriors while also marking a proud first hosting Air Force Day in Assam.
The two-hour spectacle combined daring aerial stunts, precision flying, and the thunderous roar of jet engines, leaving spectators in awe.
