Hundreds of people gathered in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, to pray for the good health of Indian pilot Smith Machhar, according to a video report published on 4 October 2026.
The gathering included a havan yagya and Ganga Aarti. Parmarth Niketan President Swami Chidanand Saraswati was present during the religious programme.
Machhar has been described as the pilot who saved the lives of 180 Israeli passengers travelling on a Fly Dubai flight. The prayers in Rishikesh focused on his well-being.
Religious programme in Rishikesh
The event brought together hundreds of participants for the 2 rituals. The havan yagya formed part of the prayers, followed by the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, who serves as president of Parmarth Niketan, attended the programme. No further details about the pilot’s condition or the flight were provided in the available report.
The gathering was recorded in a video from Rishikesh. The footage was made available through PTI Videos.
Why the pilot was remembered
The programme was organised around prayers for Smith Machhar’s health. The report identifies him as an Indian pilot and credits him with saving 180 Israeli passengers on board the Fly Dubai flight.
the flight number, the date of the incident, Machhar’s current location or additional details about the circumstances involving the passengers is not yet available.
Conclusion
Hundreds of people in Rishikesh joined a havan yagya and Ganga Aarti for Smith Machhar’s good health, with Swami Chidanand Saraswati present at the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the prayer programme held?
It was held in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Q. What rituals were performed?
Participants held a havan yagya and Ganga Aarti.
Q. Who was present at the programme?
Parmarth Niketan President Swami Chidanand Saraswati was present.
Q. Who was the programme held for?
The prayers were held for the good health of Indian pilot Smith Machhar.
Q. How many Israeli passengers was Machhar credited with saving?
The report credits him with saving the lives of 180 Israeli passengers aboard a Fly Dubai flight.
Q. When was the video report published?
The video report was published on 4 October 2026.
