The skies over the Brahmaputra dazzled on Sunday, November 9, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd Air Force Day with a grand air show at Lachit Ghat, honouring the bravery, dedication, and indomitable spirit of India’s air warriors. The celebrations, themed “Infallible, Impervious and Precise,” showcased the IAF’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and precision in safeguarding the nation’s airspace.
The spectacular display featured nearly 60 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage, Tejas (LCA), and Apache helicopters, performing breathtaking aerial manoeuvres that captivated thousands of spectators. The LCA Tejas, flying under the call sign “Lachit,” opened the show as a tribute to the legendary Assamese general Lachit Borphukan, while the Apache helicopters, under the call sign “Rhinoceros,” paid homage to Assam’s rich wildlife. Several formations—Lachit, Kaziranga, Manas, Elephant, and Barak—were named after Northeast landmarks, blending heritage with aviation might.
Adding a cultural touch, the event also featured a musical tribute to Assam’s icon Zubeen Garg, with his song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut” accompanying select aerial sequences. The event drew students, residents of old-age homes, and general spectators to various vantage points, including Uzan Bazar’s Sati Radhika Shaanti Udyan and Ashwaklanta Mandir. Authorities had issued a NOTAM during the display, with major airbases across Assam and West Bengal—Guwahati, Tezpur, Hasimara, and Bagdogra—placed on operational alert to ensure smooth execution of the show.
