© Khumaer.us
Claim: The image shows a Trishul (trident) formation by IAF jets during the air show at the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela on February 26.
Fact: The claim is false. The viral image has been on the Internet since at least 2019.
Hyderabad: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in UP concluded with a spectacular Indian Air Force (IAF) flypast on Maha Shivratri. While 1.5 crore devotees gathered for the final Shahi Snan at Triveni Sangam, Sukhoi fighter jets, AN-32 transport planes, and Chetak helicopters performed aerial manoeuvres, with helicopters showering rose petals on pilgrims. Dubbed Mahasalami, the tribute showcased India’s air prowess and added a memorable touch to the festival’s grand finale.
In this context, an image of a Trishul (trident) formation by three planes in the sky has been circulating, with claims linking it to the IAF flypast at the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
An X user, retired Major General Harsha Kakar, shared the image with the caption, “Pic of the Year !!! Mahadev’s TRISHUL formation by 3 Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft!!! Salute to #IndianAirforce.” (Archive)
Media outlets, including Live Hindustan and India News, also reported the image, claiming the same. (Archive) (Archive)
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is false. The viral image has been on the Internet since 2019. No such Trishul formation was done during the Air Force air show at the Maha Kumbh.
Upon a reverse image search of the viral image, we found it posted on X and Facebook accounts in 2019 and 2020. We also found it in a Zee News report in 2023.
During our investigation, we found the same image shared on March 4, 2019, by the Facebook page of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL). The post saluted the Indian Air Force on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
Upon closer examination, we found that the viral image is likely a cropped version of the original one shared by KOEL. Similar digitally created posters can also be found on KOEL’s Facebook page. Find the exact source of the image notwithstanding, the information so far showed that the photo had been shared since 2019.
Did IAF form Trishul during Maha Kumbh Mela’s concluding event?
We reviewed footage of the Indian Air Force air show in Prayagraj on the final day of Maha Kumbh, as published by NDTV, DD News and News9 Live. However, we did not find any visuals of a Trishul formation resembling the viral image. Also, we did not find any report by credible media on the Trishul formation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s advisor, Awanish K Awasthi, also shared visuals from the air show held at the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh. However, none of them featured a scene similar to the viral image.
On the final day of #Mahakumbh 2025, the Indian Air Force marked a grand conclusion with a spectacular air show over the #KumbhMela grounds. This breathtaking display was a fitting tribute to the world’s largest spiritual gathering, which saw an unprecedented 64 crore devotees… pic.twitter.com/72zvgljcp6
— Awanish K Awasthi (@AwasthiAwanishK) February 26, 2025
Therefore, we conclude that the viral image is old and the claim that a Trishul formation was done by the IAF in the air at the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela is false.
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
We do not take money from any political parties. We do not endorse In_dia’s ruling party BJP and In_dia’s Prime Minister’s position on keeping In_dia a closed market, ambiguous economy, and keeping India as a heavy taxing country so no one from outside world wants to do business here. It’s like denying In_dia its right in the world…
BJP Government also discourages small and local media, coming down on them heavily regulating and using lawful actions along with soft threats from demented bureaucrat extremists and other extremist groups. On one hand, the mainstream media in In_dia is getting rich and on other hand the local small media is being strangulated. So if not automated or required, We do not willfully publish any content from In_dia or pertaining to that country.
