IAF Chief AP Singh Gets Into the Garba Groove at Vadodara's Navratri Celebrations

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet (A.P.) Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, was seen joining the Garba celebrations in Vadodara on Tuesday, October 14, 2026. He attended the third night of the United Way of Baroda Navratri Garba Mahotsav, one of Gujarat's best-known Navratri events.

A video shared by an attendee shows the IAF chief, dressed in traditional blue attire with a dupatta, trying out a few Garba steps alongside the crowd. The clip has been widely shared on social media, with many users praising his relaxed, easygoing presence at the event.

The Air Chief Marshal did not attend alone. Reports say he was accompanied by senior serving and retired Air Force officers, including:

The organisers welcomed the dignitaries and invited them to take part in the evening's Maa Chandraghanta Aarti, which is performed on the third night of Navratri, before the group joined the festivities.

Air Chief Marshal Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31, 2026. His Garba appearance comes just days after he reportedly flew his last fighter jet sortie ahead of his superannuation. A recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), he has extensive operational experience.

Navratri, the "nine nights" dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is celebrated across Gujarat with community Garba and Dandiya Raas events. This year's festival runs until Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 20. Gujarat Police have reportedly deployed security across more than 22,000 Garba venues, including dedicated "She Teams" to help ensure women's safety.

Details are drawn from media reports and a video circulating on social media.