Governor Ramen Deka witnesses breathtaking aerial displays at Sendh Lake; five Sarang helicopters, Akashganga skydivers and Garud Commandos showcase exceptional courage and precision
Published on: November 01, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Nava Raipur, India
The skies over Nava Raipur witnessed an extraordinary display of courage, discipline and flying skills by the Indian Air Force on Monday as part of the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations. The grand air show, organised at Sendh Lake, featured the Indian Air Force’s world-renowned Sarang Aerobatic Display Team, Akashganga Skydiving Team and Garud Commandos.
Governor Ramen Deka attended the event and witnessed the spectacular performances. The breathtaking formations of five helicopters, daring aerial manoeuvres, a striking tricolour formation and the stirring sound of Vande Mataram filled the atmosphere with patriotism and national pride.
Governor Praises the Air Force’s Courage and Professionalism
Governor Ramen Deka praised the Air Force personnel for their outstanding performance, describing the Sarang team’s presentation on the occasion of Chhattisgarh Foundation Day as a matter of pride and joy.
He said the courage, discipline, confidence and precise coordination demonstrated by the air warriors were inspiring for every citizen, particularly the youth. According to him, the event was not merely a display of thrilling aerial manoeuvres but also a reflection of the Indian Air Force’s exceptional capabilities, rigorous training, dedication and spirit of national service.
The Governor also extended his greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh on the state’s Foundation Day and expressed his wishes for continued development, progress and prosperity.
Sarang Team Demonstrates Discipline, Trust and Teamwork
Explaining the significance of the Sarang team, Governor Deka said that Sarang means peacock, a symbol of India’s distinctive identity and beauty. In a similar way, the team represents the dignity, discipline and exceptional flying skills of the Indian Air Force.
He observed that the formations and aerial manoeuvres may appear effortless to spectators, but they require extensive planning, continuous practice, deep concentration and extraordinary coordination.
Every pilot must remain aware not only of their own role but also of the movements of fellow pilots. Mutual trust and precise coordination under challenging conditions make such performances possible, he said.
The Governor added that the team’s performance conveyed an important message: discipline, dedication, collective effort and mutual trust can help achieve even the most challenging goals.
Akashganga Skydivers Open the Show with Daring Jumps
The air show began with a thrilling performance by the Indian Air Force’s Akashganga Skydiving Team. The skydivers jumped from the open sky and demonstrated remarkable control over their parachutes, showcasing courage, balance and precision.
Maintaining the required direction and speed, the team members made accurate landings at the designated spot in front of Sendh Lake. Their successful landings were greeted with loud applause from the spectators.
The performance offered a glimpse of the physical fitness, mental concentration, determination and advanced training of Indian Air Force personnel.
Garud Commandos Showcase Rescue and Combat Operations
Following the skydiving display, the Indian Air Force’s Garud Commandos demonstrated their operational skills through a series of daring manoeuvres.
The commandos first performed parachute landings from an altitude of 8,000 feet. This was followed by a slithering demonstration from an MI-17 helicopter.
Descending from a hovering helicopter with the help of ropes, the personnel demonstrated their ability to reach designated locations under challenging conditions.
In front of Sendh Lake, the commandos presented a simulated rescue and combat operation, showcasing their operational readiness, quick response and ability to complete missions in difficult situations. They subsequently saluted the gathering, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Five Sarang Helicopters Perform Thrilling Formations and Crossovers
The biggest attraction of the event was the spectacular aerial performance by the Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
Led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar, five helicopters performed a series of impressive formations and thrilling aerial manoeuvres over Nava Raipur. The pilots demonstrated exceptional control, balance and coordination throughout the display.
At times, the helicopters flew extremely close to one another before moving in different directions and regrouping into their designated formations.
The daring crossover manoeuvre, in which helicopters passed very close to one another at high speed, was particularly captivating. The precision and coordination required for the manoeuvre left spectators amazed.
‘Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya’ Echoes from the Sarang Cockpit
Adding a special local touch to the celebrations, Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar greeted the people of Chhattisgarh from the helicopter cockpit with the popular slogan ‘Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya’.
The greeting drew an enthusiastic response from the gathering and doubled the excitement among spectators. The gesture became a memorable moment of the Foundation Day celebrations, reflecting the team’s affection and respect for the state.
Tricolour Formation and ‘Vande Mataram’ Create a Patriotic Finale
The air show concluded on a spectacular note as the Sarang team presented an impressive tricolour formation to the stirring strains of Vande Mataram.
The colours of the national flag, the synchronised helicopter movements and the patriotic music created an emotional and memorable finale. The performance gave people an opportunity to witness the excellence and dedication of the Indian Air Force at close quarters.
Sarang Team Has Represented India Across the World
The Sarang Helicopter Display Team is recognised as the world’s only aerobatic display team featuring five helicopters. Through its carefully planned aerial manoeuvres and impressive formations, the team showcases the Indian Air Force’s precision, discipline, professionalism and high standards of training.
The team has performed around 1,500 aerial displays in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Mauritius, Russia and Egypt, enhancing India’s reputation on the international stage.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, MPs, MLAs, representatives of corporations and boards, and a large number of spectators were present at the event.
The performances by the Akashganga Skydiving Team, Garud Commandos and Sarang team made the Chhattisgarh Foundation Day celebrations in Nava Raipur especially memorable.
ALSO READ-
- NCDC Holds 93rd General Council Meeting in New Delhi; Shashikant Dwivedi Represents Chhattisgarh
- Indian Air Force Stuns Spectators with Spectacular Air Show at Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026
- Chhattisgarh Tourism Gains Spotlight in Gujarat as Ahmedabad Roadshow Opens New Avenues for Investment
- Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026 to Celebrate Folk Art, Culture and Music in Nava Raipur from November 1
- BJP’s ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ March Draws Huge Crowd in Rajnandgaon
