Aiming to highlight the importance of co-existence and celebrate diversity, global spiritual movement The Art of Living (AoL) is all set to host the World Culture Festival 2016 on the banks of the Yamuna in New Delhi next month.
The three-day mega cultural event, scheduled for March 11-13, will witness global cultures, music and art sharing a common platform. It is expected to be attended by around 3.5 million people from 155 countries.
“Spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—One World Family, the World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of AoL’s 35 years of service to humanity, spirituality and human value. The festival focuses on bringing together the power of 3.5 million people on a common platform,” says Shri Shri Ravi Shankar, founder of AoL.
“With this event, we hope to foster deeper understanding between people of different faiths, nationalities and backgrounds. By showcasing rich cultural traditions of dance, music and art from around the world as well as Yoga, this festival will be a unique platform for spiritual and religious gurus, politicians, peacemakers and artists to spread the message of global peace and harmony in diversity,” he adds.
The venue of the festival will cover an area of 1000 acres and will witness the world’s largest stage set-up spread over an area of seven acres. Over 25,000 artists are expected to perform at the festival, which includes 8,000 musicians playing 40 instruments in a Musical Symphony, 650 drummers from South Africa and several tribal artists from Indian states such as Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Sikkim and others.
Chairman of the World Culture Organising Committee and AoL’s sister concern Vyakti Vikas Kendra India trust, Commodore Sarvotham Rao says: “Through this festival, the idea is to bring to the forefront age-old values and traditions that are fast disappearing today. Thousands of years old heritage of yoga and Ayurveda will play a central role in the festival through performances, information booths and join in sessions.”
A special highlight of the festival will be ‘Peace meditation’ led by Shri Shri Ravi Shankar which will be held on all three days of the festival for millions of attendees.
