Something Spectacular Is Coming to Patna’s Skies — And It’s All for a Forgotten Hero

Patna : Fighter jets will thunder across the skies of Patna this week as the Bihar capital hosts its first-ever air show, marking Shaurya Diwas with a salute to 19th-century freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh.

BJP MP and former Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy announced the event at a press briefing on Monday, describing the show as “historic” and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for their support in bringing the spectacle to Patna.

“This is the first time since Independence that such a tribute will be paid to Kunwar Singh through an air show,” Rudy said. “It is a proud moment for Bihar.”

The full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, with the official show taking place on April 23 along JP Ganga Path, a scenic stretch by the river Ganga. The venue, located near Sabhyata Dwar east of the underpass, has been prepared to host large crowds. Traffic diversions have been put in place to accommodate the event.

Highlighting the spectacle, Rudy said the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team arrived in Patna on Sunday and will perform aerial manoeuvres during the hour-long event. The show will also feature a dramatic skydive by the Akashganga paragliding team, who will descend carrying a large portrait of Veer Kunwar Singh and the Indian tricolour.

Rudy, a trained commercial and fighter aircraft pilot, acknowledged his personal enthusiasm for the show. “My role is small, but I’ve always wanted to bring an event like this to Bihar. This dream is finally becoming a reality,” he said.

The MP also extended his gratitude to the people of Bihar and to journalists, crediting them with helping amplify the story of Shaurya Diwas and the legacy of Kunwar Singh, who led armed resistance against British rule during the 1857 revolt.

Organisers said all preparations are in place and urged the public to witness the show, which is expected to showcase the valour and precision of the Indian Air Force.