Extensive beautification, decorative lighting and enhanced crowd management measures underway for Indian Air Force Day celebrations on October 22, 24 and 25
Varanasi: Varanasi is gearing up for a spectacular air show at Namo Ghat on October 22, 24 and 25 to mark the 94th anniversary of the Indian Air Force Day, with extensive beautification and security arrangements underway across the city.
The Uttar Pradesh government is transforming the route from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur to Namo Ghat through murals, wall paintings, decorative lighting and coordinated building facades. The initiative aims to showcase Kashi’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and artistic legacy to visitors attending the event.
Walls along key roads are being adorned with paintings depicting the waves of the Ganga, iconic ghats, Ganga Aarti and the distinctive atmosphere of Subah-e-Banaras. Images reflecting the city’s music, dance, art and cultural diversity, along with themes associated with Lord Buddha, will also feature in the beautification drive.
Purna Bora, Vice-Chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), said the city’s heritage and cultural identity were central to the initiative. Shops and buildings between Chowkaghat and Namo Ghat are being painted in a uniform colour scheme to create a more organised and visually appealing streetscape.
Decorative lighting is being installed along roads, trees, bridges and electricity poles. Motif lights are being fitted along the Namo Ghat route, while decorative pillars are being installed on the Chowkaghat Bridge. Flag decorations featuring the damru, trident and Om symbol are also planned along the Namo Ghat road divider, reflecting the city’s spiritual traditions.
From Babatpur Airport to Atulanand and onward towards Namo Ghat, authorities are installing motif lighting, strip lights and facade illumination. Painting work is also underway on dividers, while Namo Ghat and Gaya Ghat are receiving a visual makeover.
Comprehensive arrangements for crowd management
Alongside beautification, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation is strengthening arrangements to manage the expected influx of visitors, tourists and VIP guests.
Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal is personally inspecting preparations across different areas. Directional signboards displaying ghat names and routes are being installed between Namo Ghat, Samne Ghat and other key access points to help visitors navigate the city.
All major ghats along the Ganga are being connected through a public address (PA) system. Senior officials will use microphones and handheld devices to regulate crowd movement and issue instructions when required.
Mobile and portable toilets, dustbins and medical facilities are being arranged at key locations. Sanitation inspectors have been assigned specific areas and instructed to coordinate with other departments to ensure cleanliness, public convenience and safety throughout the event.
Measures to prevent bird strikes
Special precautions are also being taken to protect aircraft during the air show. In view of the risk of bird strikes, meat cutting and selling shops within a radius of 20–30 kilometres of Namo Ghat have been ordered to remain closed from October 19 to 26.
The municipal administration has also directed officials to monitor bird activity and prevent stray animals from entering the city’s ghats and surrounding areas.
With preparations spanning civic infrastructure, cultural displays, lighting, sanitation and aviation safety, Varanasi is seeking to present a visually striking and well-organised setting for the Indian Air Force Day celebrations. The event is expected to bring together aviation spectacle and the cultural character of one of India’s oldest living cities.
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