Somnath: The skies above Gujarat’s coast turned into a spectacular display of patriotism and devotion as the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performed a breathtaking flypast during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav celebrations attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thousands of devotees, tourists and local residents gathered near the historic Somnath Temple to witness the aerial display, which became one of the biggest highlights of the grand religious and cultural event held on Sunday.
Prime Minister Modi participated in several important temple rituals during the occasion, including Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja and Maha Puja, while also releasing a commemorative ₹75 coin and a special postage stamp honouring the temple’s historical and spiritual significance.
Suryakiran jets paint the skies in tricolour
The most visually striking moment of the celebrations came when six Hawk Mk-132 jets of the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Team roared across the skies above the Somnath Temple and the Arabian Sea in precise aerobatic formations.
As the aircraft performed synchronised manoeuvres, they released saffron, white and green smoke trails symbolising the colours of the Indian national flag.
Officials stated that the smoke pods used during the performance were manufactured indigenously at the Indian Air Force’s Nashik Base Repair Depot, adding a significant “Made in India” element to the event.
The aerial performance lasted around 15 minutes and drew loud cheers and applause from spectators assembled around the temple premises and nearby coastal areas.
Flower shower adds spiritual touch
Alongside the aerobatic display, a Chetak helicopter showered flower petals over the temple premises, adding a ceremonial and spiritual atmosphere to the celebrations.
Devotees described the combination of aerial formations, tricolour smoke and flower showers as a rare and memorable spectacle blending devotion with national pride.
The Suryakiran Team’s flypast was led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, supported by nearly 30 Indian Air Force personnel who coordinated operational and logistical arrangements behind the scenes.
Officials said extensive planning and precision flying were required to execute the aerobatic display safely over the coastal temple region.
PM Modi highlights ‘Bhakti and Shakti’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as a powerful blend of “Bhakti and Shakti” — devotion and strength.
Sharing visuals of the flypast on social media, Modi stated that the Suryakiran Team’s performance filled every heart with pride, valour and joy.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the historical significance of Somnath Temple, which has been rebuilt multiple times over centuries after repeated destruction.
During his address, Modi highlighted Somnath as a symbol of India’s civilisational resilience, spiritual heritage and national unity.
Exhibition traces Somnath’s history
As part of the Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, an exhibition was organised at the temple complex showcasing the historical journey of Somnath Temple from destruction to reconstruction and development.
The exhibition featured historical photographs, references from the Shiv Mahapuran and tributes to leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a major role in rebuilding the temple after Independence.
Visitors explored displays narrating the temple’s spiritual legacy and its importance in India’s cultural history.
Social media flooded with reactions
Videos and photographs of the flypast quickly went viral on social media platforms, with many users describing the event as an emotional and unforgettable experience.
Several people praised the rare combination of military precision and religious celebration witnessed at Somnath.
One social media user wrote that “faith touched the skies,” while another described the combination of flower showers and jet formations as one of the most divine scenes witnessed at the temple.
The visuals of tricolour smoke above the Arabian Sea and Somnath Temple were widely shared online throughout the day.
Symbol of unity and national pride
The event highlighted the growing trend of combining cultural heritage celebrations with displays of national pride and defence capability.
Officials said the participation of the Indian Air Force added a unique dimension to the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, symbolising both spiritual devotion and the strength of the nation.
For many devotees and visitors, the event became more than a ceremonial celebration — it was viewed as a moment reflecting India’s heritage, unity and resilience.
As the celebrations concluded, the images of jets soaring above Somnath Temple left a lasting impression on spectators, turning the coastal skies into a symbol of devotion, courage and national pride.