About Indian Air Force Day
Indian Air Force Day, or Vayu Sena Diwas, is observed on 8 October, the day the Indian Air Force was founded in 1932. The IAF marks it with a parade, investiture and flypast, and the country thanks its air warriors, veterans and their families. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, 8 October 2026.
Why is Indian Air Force Day celebrated on 8 October?
Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8 October because the Indian Air Force was formally constituted on that date in 1932, as an auxiliary air force in British India. Its first unit, No. 1 Squadron, began flying on 1 April 1933 with Westland Wapiti biplanes.
For its service in the Second World War, including operations in Burma, King George VI granted it the title "Royal Indian Air Force" in 1945. India dropped the "Royal" prefix when it became a republic on 26 January 1950. In 1954 Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee became the first Indian to head the force as Chief of the Air Staff.
What does the IAF motto mean?
The IAF's motto, Nabhah sparsham deeptam, means "touching the sky with glory". It comes from the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 11, where Arjuna, shown Krishna's cosmic form, describes it as filling the sky and blazing with light. In the Gita the words express awe at a divine vision; the IAF adopted them for a force whose work is in the sky.
Nabhah sparsham deeptam: touching the sky, blazing.
The motto appears on the IAF crest with the Ashoka lion capital and a Himalayan eagle. On Air Force Day messages, "Touch the sky with glory" is the most common closing line, and it is correct to use.
How is Air Force Day celebrated?
Air Force Day is celebrated with a ceremonial parade, an investiture where the Chief of the Air Staff presents awards, and a flypast of fighter, transport and helicopter formations, often with the Surya Kiran jet aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team. In Delhi, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three service chiefs lay wreaths at the National War Memorial. In 2025, on the 93rd Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh dedicated the day to the air warriors who had guarded the country's skies with their sacrifice and professionalism.
For decades the parade was held at Air Force Station Hindon near Ghaziabad. Since 2022 the IAF has taken the main celebrations to other cities, so that more people can see them.
| Year | Main celebration | What stood out |
|---|---|---|
| Until 2021 | Air Force Station Hindon, Ghaziabad | The traditional parade and flypast near Delhi |
| 2022 | Chandigarh | The first move away from Hindon |
| 2023 | Prayagraj | The second year of celebrations held away from Delhi |
| 2024 | Chennai | A two-hour air show over the Marina on 6 October with 72 aircraft, and the parade at Tambaram Air Force Station on 8 October |
Air bases across the country hold their own parades and open days. In 2024 a 7,000 km car rally of serving air warriors and veterans, the Vayu Veer Vijeta rally, set off from Thoise in Ladakh on Air Force Day.
Which other days honour India's armed forces?
Each service has its own day, and each date recalls a specific event. Knowing which is which helps you pick the right day to thank someone in uniform.
| Day | Date | Why that date |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army Day | 15 January | Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army in 1949 |
| Kargil Vijay Diwas | 26 July | Operation Vijay ended in 1999; the IAF flew Operation Safed Sagar in support |
| Indian Air Force Day | 8 October | The IAF was founded in 1932 |
| Indian Navy Day | 4 December | The Navy's missile-boat attack on Karachi harbour in the 1971 war |
| Armed Forces Flag Day | 7 December | Collections for the welfare of serving and retired personnel and their families |
See Indian Army Day, Indian Navy Day, Kargil Vijay Diwas and Armed Forces Flag Day.
What should you write on Indian Air Force Day?
An Air Force Day message lands best when it recognises the whole force. For every pilot there are engineers who sign off each aircraft, controllers who bring it home, and families who pack up every two or three years for a new posting.
Happy Air Force Day. We don't always know where you are or what you're doing, but we're proud of you every single day. Nabhah sparsham deeptam.
Happy Air Force Day. Every sortie starts with your signature on the paperwork and your hands on the aircraft. Thank you.
Wishing you a happy Air Force Day, sir. Thirty years of early mornings and remote postings, and you still stand straighter than all of us.
Happy Air Force Day to you too. Every new posting, new school and new house has been your service as well. Thank you.
Happy Air Force Day. Study hard, stay fit, and one day that flypast might have you in it.
On Air Force Day, a salute to the men and women of the Indian Air Force, and to everyone they have flown out of floods, landslides and war zones. Touch the sky with glory.
Do
- Thank the whole force: pilots, ground crew, controllers, medics and families.
- Use the motto, "Touch the sky with glory", if you want a proud closing line.
- Remember air warriors who died in service; many families mark the day quietly.
Avoid
- Don't share photos of aircraft, bases or personnel that could reveal locations or movements.
- Avoid chest-thumping or insults aimed at another country.
- Don't mix up the date with Army Day or Navy Day.
How to wish someone on Indian Air Force Day
A good Air Force Day wish thanks people, not machines: pilots, but also the technicians, air traffic controllers, medics, rescue crews and the families who move from base to base. Name the person's role if you know it. The IAF motto, "Touch the sky with glory", works well as a closing line. Keep it proud and grateful, and avoid taunts aimed at other countries.
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
When is Indian Air Force Day in 2026 and 2027?
Indian Air Force Day is on 8 Oct every year. Only the weekday changes.
- 2026
- 2027
Frequently asked questions
When was the Indian Air Force founded?
The Indian Air Force was founded on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary force in British India. Its first squadron began flying on 1 April 1933, and 8 October is kept as Air Force Day every year.
What is the motto of the Indian Air Force?
The motto of the Indian Air Force is "Nabhah sparsham deeptam", meaning "touch the sky with glory". It comes from the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 11, verse 24.
Why was "Royal" removed from the Indian Air Force's name?
The Indian Air Force was titled the Royal Indian Air Force in 1945 for its Second World War service. The "Royal" prefix was dropped on 26 January 1950, when India became a republic.
Where is the Air Force Day parade held?
The Air Force Day parade was traditionally held at Air Force Station Hindon near Delhi. Since 2022 the main celebrations have moved to different cities, including Chandigarh in 2022, Prayagraj in 2023 and Chennai in 2024.
Who was the first Indian chief of the Indian Air Force?
Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee became the first Indian Chief of the Air Staff in 1954. Arjan Singh later became the only IAF officer to hold the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force, conferred in 2002.
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .