Patna: For the first time, Patna’s skyline will come alive with the dazzling manoeuvres of the Indian Air Force’s elite Surya Kiran aerobatic team, as the state capital gears up to celebrate Shaurya Diwas today and tomorrow. The grand air display over the Ganga is part of a tribute to Veer Kunwar Singh, the legendary freedom fighter from Bihar who played a key role in India’s First War of Independence in 1857.
The event will be staged along the JP Ganga Path, with the Sabhyata Dwar area set to transform into an open-air amphitheatre for thousands of spectators. A full dress rehearsal is scheduled for today, ahead of the main display on Wednesday.
Shaurya Diwas, an initiative of the Bihar government, seeks to honour the valour of Kunwar Singh. This year’s celebrations will reach new heights—literally—as the Surya Kiran squadron, famed for its precision and flair, stages its first-ever aerobatic performance in the skies of Patna.
The spectacle is expected to draw a huge crowd, including dignitaries such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who are likely to attend the air show.
Traffic and Parking Overhaul
Given the expected turnout, Patna’s traffic police have put an elaborate plan in place. Temporary parking zones have been created across the city to accommodate vehicles arriving from various directions. Visitors from Danapur and Ashok Rajpath will be directed to JP Setu Ghat, Digha Ghat, and Ghat Numbers 88 and 93. Those approaching from Gaighat can use Patna College Ground, Science College Ground, and Krishna Ghat.
Additional parking has also been arranged at Gandhi Maidan, Mahendru Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, and Kadam Kuan Ghat, with the JP Ganga Path’s underpass at LCT Ghat temporarily modified to allow parking in one lane.
Traffic diversions will be in effect from 6am to 11am on both days. LCT Ghat’s approach road will function as a one-way to streamline access to the JP Ganga Path, while visitors attending a separate Shaurya Diwas event at Bapu Sabhagar will be directed to designated parking zones, including the underground facility for smaller vehicles.
To ensure order, Patna traffic police will deploy six cranes to tow away improperly parked vehicles. Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Aparajit Lohan warned that violations will be met with strict legal action and urged the public to cooperate with the administration’s guidelines.
As the city prepares to honour one of its bravest sons, the skies over the Ganga are set to become a canvas of aerial artistry—merging patriotism, history and spectacle in a truly unforgettable tribute.
