Kashi's big weekend: a first air show over the Ganga, a new textile unit and the PM's two-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in the city on 24 and 25 October, according to his proposed schedule, before travelling on to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

The highlight is the Indian Air Force's "Wings Over Ganges" display. It is the first air show ever flown over the river in Kashi, marking the Air Force's 94th year. Shows are planned at Namo Ghat on 22, 24 and 25 October, and the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected at the closing display on the 25th. Around 100 aircraft are listed, from Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas fighters to Chinook and Prachand helicopters. The Suryakiran and Sarang display teams also fly. Many of the formations carry local names such as Varuna, Kedar, Sarnath, Bhairav and Dashashwamedh.

The visit also brings good news for jobs. The Prime Minister is expected to open a new factory in the Sevapuri area. Reports describe an Arvind textile unit on NH-19 at Mirzamurad, with more than 1,000 jobs, and say he will take part in programmes on the city's development. On the 25th he is expected to review progress on the Kedarnath corridor.

If you plan to watch, the city side between Rajghat and Assi, and the far bank between Domri and Ramnagar, are the public viewing areas. The Air Force has suggested 22 and 24 October as the quieter days. Private boats stay off the river from 8 am to 5 pm on show days, and drones are banned near the ghats. Our day-by-day planner has the details.