Flypast and petal showers: Armed Forces' tribute to 'Corona Warriors'
What's the story
As a token of appreciation to the frontline warriors in the fight against COVID-19, the Indian Armed Forces began a flypast Sunday morning. Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters also showered flower petals over hospitals across the country. This "gesture of special gratitude" to India's "corona warriors" was announced on Friday by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and the three service chiefs.
Flypast
First display of jets over Srinagar's Dal Lake
The flypast began in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, where two IAF C-130J Super Hercules special operations transport aircraft flew over the Dal Lake. The two aircraft were then spotted over Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake, flying over Rajpath, Delhi, by around 10:15 am. The IAFs Su-30 aircraft flew past Mumbai's Marine Drive. The flypast will also be held over Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Patna, and Lucknow.
Twitter Post
Flypast over Marine Drive in Mumbai
#WATCH IAF's Su-30 aircraft flypast in Mumbai to express gratitude towards medical professionals and all frontline workers in fighting COVID19 pic.twitter.com/aQcX1ypKbs
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2020
Petal shower
Flower petals showered over hospitals, National Police Memorial
Military helicopters also showered flower petals over hospitals across the country. The forces planned to carry out this gesture in 23 locations including Delhi, Leh, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Mumbai, etc. IAF helicopters also showered petals over the National Police Memorial in Delhi. Visuals of the petal drop at Hyderabad's Gandhi Hospital, Bengaluru's Victoria Hospital, Lucknow's KGMU, the Goa Medical College have surfaced online.
Twitter Post
IAF helicopter showers petals over King George Medical College, Lucknow
#ArmedForcesSaluteCoronaWarriors...#IAF helicopter showering petals at King George Medical College #KGMC #Lucknow to salute #CoronaWarriors.@SpokespersonMoD @IAF_MCC
— PRO Defence Lucknow (@ProDefLko) May 3, 2020
Video: Ashutosh pic.twitter.com/KL7uAQSYs5
Other details
Army bands perform outside hospitals, warships to be lit up
As part of the exercise, Army bands will also perform outside several hospitals across the country. A wreath-laying ceremony at the police memorial was held at the National Police Memorial. The Indian Navy will illuminate warships at anchorage from 7:30 pm to midnight at Mumbai, Porbandar, Karwar, Vizag, Chennai, Kochi, and Port Blair. 46 Coast Guard ships will also be illuminated at 25 locations.