Surya Kiran Air Show Sujanpur Tihra Draws Massive Crowds, Sky Spectacle Thrills Thousands
Shimla, March 27,
A surge of public enthusiasm marked the second day of the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team air show at Sainik School Sujanpur Tihra, as thousands gathered to witness precision flying and aerial acrobatics against the scenic backdrop of the Dhauladhar range.
Taking advantage of the Ram Navami holiday, spectators began arriving early in the morning, with large numbers travelling not only from Sujanpur and Hamirpur but also from Kangra’s Palampur, Jaisinghpur, and Dhira, as well as Mandi’s Sandhol region.
At around 10:55 AM, nine Hawk Mk-132 jets roared into the skies in perfect unison, drawing loud applause from the crowd. As the jets cut through light clouds and soared toward the snow-clad Dhauladhars, the atmosphere turned electric, with spectators visibly awestruck.
For nearly 25 minutes, the sky became a canvas of synchronized formations and daring manoeuvres. The team executed a range of complex aerial patterns, including formations resembling the ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft and the ‘Sukhoi’ fighter jets, followed by crowd-favourite shapes such as a diamond, DNA helix, and heart.
High-intensity stunts—including steep 90-degree climbs and dives, mid-air crossovers, and 360-degree rolls—showcased the pilots’ exceptional skill, precision, and coordination. Each manoeuvre was met with thunderous applause.
The grand finale carried an emotional note, as the team flew in an arrow formation to pay tribute to martyr Wing Commander Namansh Syal, an alumnus of the Sainik School, drawing a poignant response from the audience.
The show was anchored by Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu, whose engaging commentary helped spectators understand the formations and introduced the team members, while Squadron Leader Sanjesh Singh ensured seamless ground coordination.
Chief Guest Captain Ranjit Singh, MLA, lauded the initiative and credited Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for facilitating the event, noting that specific directions were issued to ensure full administrative support.
Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore said the turnout exceeded expectations, reflecting the strong public connect and excitement surrounding the Indian Air Force.
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The event also saw the presence of senior officials, including SP Balvir Singh, ADC Abhishek Garg, and Assistant Commissioner Chirag Sharma. Sainik School Principal Captain Rachna Joshi welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the significance of such events in inspiring youth toward the armed forces.
With overwhelming attendance and high public engagement, the Surya Kiran air show has not only delivered a spectacle of aerial excellence but also reinforced a sense of pride and inspiration among the people of Himachal Pradesh.
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