“We are inspired to continue with more enthusiasm and greater speed to realize the dream, where life becomes a celebration and the world will become one family. The World Culture Festival is a celebration of achievements and a vision to do better.” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Mangaluru: It’s going to be one “humongous” and “Magnanimous” festival to happen in Delhi-India! Spread over a venue of 1000 acres and expected to be attended by 3.5 million people from 155 countries, the “World Culture Festival (WCF)-2016” will be one of the biggest cultural gatherings in the recent times. Besides the big gamut of vivid cultures on display, there would be keynote addresses by luminaries, an interactive leadership forum, an inter-faith meet to boost humanitarianism, guided meditations, and musical and dance performances. The grand spectacle will witness a multitude of dancers, musicians, religious leaders, eminent personalities and people from all walks of life come together to celebrate our enormous diversity. The world’s biggest family is catching up, and the organizers would love you to be a part of it.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com during the prayer/meeting session at “Sri Sannidi” in Mannagudda here, few of the coordinators of the WCF, namely Dayanna (of Daya Arts), Asha Ravi, Kavya Nagaraj and Sadhana said, ” WCF is a Celebration of Diversity and Uniqueness-The World Culture Festival will demonstrate the power of peace by bringing 3.5 million people from around the world. The 3-day mega cultural event (March 11-13, 2016) and spreading the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One World Family, the World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of The Art of Living’s 35 years of service to humanity, spirituality and human values to over 370 million people across 155 countries. Global cultures, music and the arts to share a common platform on world’s largest stage set-up over an area of 7 acres-This will be an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the ‘Largest temporary stage’ in the world. The festival emphasizes co-existence and celebrates diversity by bringing together the power of 3.5million people on a common platform”.
“World Culture Festival” be held from March 11-13 in New Delhi, the venue ( Grounds opposite Mayur Vihar Metro Stations, Delhi -East) for the festival will cover an area of 1000 acres and will witness the world’s largest stage set-up spread over an area of 7 acres. Over 33,000 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” added Kavya.
“Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, The Art of Living has said, “With the World Culture Festival, 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” said Dayanna.
Asha Ravi said, “The festival aims to bring to the forefront age-old values and traditions that are today, fast disappearing. 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 very special highlight of the festival will be a ‘Peace meditation’ led by humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar which will be held on all three days of the festival, for the millions in attendance. This World’s largest Peace meditation will be the first time in the world that 3.5 million people will meditate for world peace on all three days at one physical location. Millions will also participate virtually”
In the Grand Musical Symphony 40 instruments will be played together. The Global Leadership Forum, co-hosted by the World Forum of Ethics in Business and The Art of Living Foundation in New Delhi on the 12th and 13th March 2016 will bring together senior leaders from business, government, politics, science, NGOs, faith-based organizations, sports, academia and media to reflect on the paradigms of leadership needed to manoeuvre the world of today
World’s largest stage-WCF will witness the world’s largest stage set up over an area of 7 acres. Over 1000 people are working on stage and venue development. More than 20,000 international guests are expected. Sizable contingents from South America, Mongolia, Russia, U.S., Europe, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Pakistan among others. Revival of tribal art forms-WCF will revive some of the tribal art forms from India from states such as Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Sikkim among others. For Bharatnatyam, three Padma awardees are training the participants, 650 drummers will arrive from South Africa, Pt Birju Maharaj is choreographing the Kathak performance for the festival
About Art of Living:
The Art of Living, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, is a global movement, rekindling human values in the pursuit of happiness and peace. It works to bring peace at the level of the individual, society, nation and the world as a whole. Its areas of work cover conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, campaigns against female foeticide and environment sustainability. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader. His vision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world.
He is engaged in peace negotiations and counselling in conflict zones around the world. His peace initiatives in Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Kashmir and Bihar have been widely acknowledged. Present in 155countries, The Art of Living formulates and implements lasting solutions to conflicts and issues faced by individuals, communities and nations. Gurudev has reached out to an estimated 370 million people worldwide through personal interactions, public events, teachings, Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives
