Sarang’s Aerial Display Lights Up Nava Raipur Sky; CM Sai Applauds IAF’s Skill and Courage

rang helicopters trail saffron, white and green smoke during the full dress rehearsal for the Rajyotsav aerial display over Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

Five-helicopter formations, Akash Ganga skydivers and Garud commandos feature in the full dress rehearsal at Sendh Lake; main display scheduled for November 2

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attends the Indian Air Force’s full dress rehearsal on Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day.
• Five Sarang helicopters perform coordinated formations and crossover manoeuvres over Nava Raipur.
• Akash Ganga skydivers demonstrate precision landings, while Garud commandos showcase rescue and combat capabilities.
• Group Captain Abhijit Kumar greets spectators with “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” from the cockpit.
• Sai describes the performance as an inspiring example of discipline, teamwork and mutual trust.

Raipur: Five helicopters flying in coordinated formations, skydivers making precision landings and commandos descending from a hovering aircraft turned the skies over Nava Raipur’s Sendh Lake into a showcase of Indian Air Force skill on Sunday, November 1, as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the full dress rehearsal for the Rajyotsav aerial display.

Held on Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day, the rehearsal featured the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, Akash Ganga skydiving team and Garud commandos. Spectators applauded the aerial manoeuvres, while trails of saffron, white and green and the accompanying strains of ‘Vande Mataram’ added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presents a memento to a member of the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team, alongside a fellow team member, at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

The main aerial display is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at the same venue.

‘An Inspiration for Young People’

Commending the participating personnel, Sai said their performance reflected the rigorous training, dedication and coordination required to serve in the Indian Air Force.

“The courage, discipline, confidence and precise coordination demonstrated by our air warriors are an inspiration for every citizen, especially young people,” the Chief Minister said.

He described the programme as an opportunity for people to witness the capabilities of the armed forces and appreciate the effort behind each manoeuvre.

Extending State Foundation Day greetings, Sai expressed hope that Chhattisgarh would continue to reach new heights of development and prosperity. The presence of the IAF teams, he added, had brought an additional sense of pride to the celebrations.

Five Helicopters, Precisely Coordinated Manoeuvres

A member of the Indian Air Force’s Akash Ganga skydiving team descends beneath a colourful parachute during the full dress rehearsal at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo:primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

Led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar, the Sarang team’s five helicopters performed a succession of formations and aerial manoeuvres over Sendh Lake.

The helicopters moved together, separated in different directions and regrouped in carefully timed sequences. Crossover manoeuvres, in which aircraft appeared to pass close to one another from the spectators’ perspective, drew particular attention.

Each sequence demonstrated the pilots’ control over their aircraft and their ability to maintain coordination throughout changes in direction and formation. Applause followed successive manoeuvres as spectators watched the team’s synchronised movements.

Sai watched the display and praised the pilots’ discipline, courage and teamwork.

Trust and Practice Behind Every Formation

The Indian Air Force’s Sarang team performs a coordinated five-helicopter manoeuvre with tricolour smoke trails above Nava Raipur during the State Foundation Day rehearsal on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

The Chief Minister observed that manoeuvres which appeared graceful and effortless from the ground depended on extensive planning, repeated practice and sustained concentration.

Every pilot, he said, had to remain conscious of both individual responsibilities and the movements of fellow team members. Mutual trust and accurate coordination were essential to performing in demanding conditions.

“The Sarang team’s performance gives us an important message: discipline, dedication, collective effort and mutual trust can help us achieve even the most difficult goals,” Sai said.

Explaining that ‘Sarang’ means peacock, he drew a parallel between the bird’s beauty and the team’s distinctive aerial presentation. He described the team as a symbol of the Indian Air Force’s skill, discipline and professional excellence.

Akash Ganga Skydivers Open the Programme

The Indian Air Force’s Sarang team performs a coordinated five-helicopter manoeuvre with tricolour smoke trails above Nava Raipur during the State Foundation Day rehearsal on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

The aerial programme began with a demonstration by the Akash Ganga skydiving team.

Descending beneath colourful parachutes, team members controlled their direction and speed before landing at the designated location in front of Sendh Lake.

Their approach and landings held the audience’s attention, with spectators applauding as the skydivers reached the ground.

The demonstration offered a glimpse of the physical preparation, mental composure and precision required to control a parachute during descent and land safely within a specified area.

Garud Commandos Demonstrate Operational Skills

Following the skydiving presentation, Garud commandos demonstrated slithering from an Mi-17 helicopter.

With the helicopter hovering above the demonstration area, personnel descended using ropes and moved into position for a simulated rescue and combat operation in front of Sendh Lake.

The sequence showcased the commandos’ ability to deploy rapidly from an aircraft and operate as a coordinated team. After completing the demonstration, the personnel saluted the dais.

Spectators applauded the display of controlled movement, readiness and teamwork.

‘Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya’ Rings Out from the Cockpit

One of the programme’s memorable moments came when Group Captain Abhijit Kumar greeted the gathering from his helicopter cockpit with the popular expression “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya.”

The greeting drew an enthusiastic response from the audience, connecting the aerial presentation with the state’s identity and Foundation Day celebrations.

The concluding segment featured helicopters trailing the colours of the national flag as ‘Vande Mataram’ played, bringing the rehearsal to a patriotic close.

International Experience on Display

The state government release noted that the Sarang team has represented India through aerial displays in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Mauritius, Russia and Egypt.

Its performances showcase the Indian Air Force’s flying skills, training and coordination before audiences in India and abroad.

For spectators in Nava Raipur, the rehearsal provided an opportunity to see those capabilities at close quarters during the statehood celebrations.

Main Display at Sendh Lake on November 2

Following Sunday’s full dress rehearsal, the Sarang team is scheduled to present its main aerial display at Sendh Lake on November 2 as part of Rajyotsav.

The programme will offer another opportunity to witness the helicopter formations and the capabilities demonstrated by the participating IAF teams.

Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, Kaushalya Sai, other public representatives, Indian Air Force officers and a large number of residents attended Sunday’s rehearsal.