New Delhi: A thrilling vertical maneuver by Su30 fighter jets and performance by motorcycle-borne soldiers among a host of other activities today cast a spell over thousands of people who attended the carnival ‘Indradhanush' at the Rajpath here to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
From martial arts display, jazz band concert and hot air balloon rides to choreographed dance shows, Army dog show, Army motor cycle display, magicians and jugglers, the armed forces had everything in place to enchant those who attended the carnival on a breezy Sunday.
But the biggest attraction were the fighter jets which flew in a missing man formation while another took a vertical stunt, considered to be one of the toughest. As the roar of the fighter jet engine was heard around 4:19 PM, every single person on the Indian Gate lawns had their eyes on the sky.
The jets were welcomed with loud cheers. This was the first time that fighter jets had flown over the Rajpath other than the Republic Day every year. Much to the disappointment of the excited crowd, a performance by para troopers could not take place due to weather warning and hence the Mi17 helicopters did not take off from the Hindon Air Base.
However, the Dhruv helicopters of the Army did do a fly past.The carnival is part of ‘Shauryanjali', an exhibition being held on the Rajpath commemorating the golden jubilee of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
Though today was supposed to be closing date, the defence authorities had extended it for another two days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had visited the exhibition on Friday, mentioned it in his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat today, saying, “I was supposed to be there for 30 mins but spent two and half hours”.
