The skies above Gujarat’s coast turned into a stage of devotion and pride today, as the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Team performed a stunning flypast during the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the event, performed rituals like Kumbhabhishek, Dhwaj Puja, and Maha Puja, and also released a ₹75 coin and a special postage stamp to honour the temple’s history.
The most eye‑catching part of the day was the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Six Hawk Mk‑132 jets flew in perfect formations over the temple and the Arabian Sea.
As they moved across the sky, the jets left trails of saffron, white, and green smoke, the colours of the Indian flag. These smoke pods were made in India at the IAF’s Nashik Base Repair Depot,
adding a proud touch to the display.
Along with the jets, a Chetak helicopter showered flower petals over the temple, making the moment even more beautiful. The flypast lasted about 15 minutes and was watched by thousands of devotees, tourists, and locals.
In Somnath today, the skies witnessed a magnificent confluence of pride and valour. The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Team showcased a breathtaking flypast. This spirit of Bhakti and Shakti filled every heart with deep joy.@Suryakiran_IAF pic.twitter.com/rGbDuKpelC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2026
The team was led by Group Captain Ajay Dasharathi, with support from nearly 30 IAF members who worked behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly.
The event was not just about flying skills. It carried a deeper meaning, the mix of Bhakti (devotion) and Shakti (strength). PM Modi called it a “magnificent confluence of pride and valour,” reminding people that Somnath has stood strong for centuries despite repeated destruction.
An exhibition at the temple also showed its journey “from destruction to development,” with old photos, stories from the Shiv Mahapuran, and tributes to leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who helped rebuild it.
The spectacle quickly went viral, with reactions pouring in,
“Faith touched the skies today. Watching jets over Somnath was goosebumps.” A user commented
One user said, “Flower petals from the helicopter and jets in formation, Somnath has never looked so divine.”
Pictures and videos of the flypast quickly spread on social media. Many people described it as a moment when “faith touched the skies,” while others praised the mix of devotion and national pride.
Somnath’s skies today were not just filled with jets and colours; they carried a message of courage, devotion, and unity, leaving everyone who witnessed it filled with joy.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177851711136191147.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177857163527949889.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-177852742960420563.webp)
