Vadodara, October 14, 2026: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force, participated in the United Way of Baroda Navratri Garba Mahotsav in Vadodara, joining devotees in traditional Garba celebrations and offering prayers during the Maa Chandraghanta Aarti.
The Air Chief’s participation in the festivities attracted attention after a video showing him performing Garba steps at the venue surfaced on social media.
Air Chief Marshal Singh was accompanied by several senior serving and retired Indian Air Force officers, including Air Marshal P.V. Shivanand, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command; Air Commodore R.S. Bhandari of Air Force Station Vadodara; and Air Marshal (Retd.) Sunil Kashinath Vidhate.
The senior officers, accompanied by their family members and other Air Force personnel, were formally welcomed by the organisers before participating in the traditional Maa Chandraghanta Aarti.
Dressed in traditional blue attire with a dupatta, Air Chief Marshal Singh was seen enthusiastically joining the cultural celebrations. A video recorded by an attendee showed the IAF Chief attempting Garba steps alongside a member of the organising team, with security personnel accompanying him.
Some of his dance movements also appeared to resemble Bhangra, adding a light-hearted moment to the celebrations. His participation drew appreciation on social media, with viewers welcoming the sight of the country’s Air Force Chief engaging in traditional festivities.
The United Way of Baroda Garba Mahotsav is among Gujarat’s most prominent Navratri celebrations, attracting thousands of participants dressed in traditional attire. The event is known for its large-scale Garba performances and its celebration of Gujarat’s cultural heritage.
The venue was also recently associated with a Guinness World Record for the largest Garba dance, achieved on October 7, 2026, during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Garba organised in collaboration with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. The event reportedly brought together 46,818 verified participants.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh assumed charge as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024. An accomplished fighter pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours, he is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot.
Throughout his distinguished military career, he has commanded an operational fighter squadron, led the MiG-29 upgrade project in Moscow and contributed to the flight testing of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Air Chief Marshal Singh has extensive operational experience and is scheduled to superannuate on October 31, 2026.
His appearance at the Vadodara Navratri celebrations offered a glimpse of the personal side of the senior military leader, highlighting the connection between India’s armed forces and the country’s rich cultural traditions.
