Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force, made a cultural appearance in Vadodara on October 14, 2026, as he took part in the United Way of Baroda Navratri Garba Mahotsav. The senior Air Force officer joined devotees in the traditional celebrations and offered prayers during the Maa Chandraghanta Aarti.
The event drew wider attention after a video of Air Chief Marshal Singh performing Garba steps at the venue began circulating on social media. The clip showed him taking part in the festivities in a public setting, away from his official military duties.
Senior Air Force Officers Present
Air Chief Marshal Singh was accompanied by several 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 officers, along with their family members and other Air Force personnel, were welcomed by the organisers before joining the Maa Chandraghanta Aarti.
In visuals from the venue, Air Chief Marshal Singh was seen in traditional blue attire with a dupatta as he joined the celebrations. A video recorded by an attendee showed him attempting Garba steps with a member of the organising team, while security personnel remained nearby.
Some of the movements in the clip also appeared to resemble Bhangra, adding a lighter note to the evening. Social media reactions were reported as warm, with viewers appreciating the Air Force Chief’s participation in the festivities.
About the Venue and the Event
The United Way of Baroda Garba Mahotsav is among Gujarat’s prominent Navratri gatherings and regularly attracts large crowds in traditional dress. The event is known for its large-scale Garba performances and for highlighting Gujarat’s cultural heritage.
The same venue was also associated with a Guinness World Record on October 7, 2026, when the largest Garba dance was achieved 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’s Profile
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh assumed charge as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024. He is an accomplished fighter pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours and is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot.
During his 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.
He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). According to the source material, he is scheduled to superannuate on October 31, 2026.
His appearance at the Vadodara Navratri celebrations offered a rare public glimpse of the senior military leader and highlighted the connection between the armed forces and India’s cultural traditions.
