The festival marks the 35th anniversary of the foundation’s activities, and includes various cultural activities, keynote addresses by various celebrities — including Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India — a leadership forum, and an inter-faith meet. About 3.5 million people are expected to turn up over the three-day period. Founder of Art of Living, Ravi Shankar, said, “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.”
The festival, which is taking place on the banks of the Yamuna river, also includes cultural performances, and various forums to promote awareness about Indian culture and history. Several dance and music concerts are set to take place, as are special sessions about Indian scriptures, such as the Vedas and Puranas.
The Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the event with a speech on the evening of March 11. Speaking about the importance of the event and the foundation’s contribution over the decades, he said, “India is so diverse and it has so much to contribute to the world. I want to welcome all of you to India. Through Art of Living, the world has got to know about India. I remember a reception by ‘Art of Living’ family in Mongolia. I want to congratulate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His mission has spread all over the world, in various nations.”
The festival also includes several initiatives and presentations to highlight rural India. For example, the Krishi Ratna Puraskar is an award given to farmers involved in organic and sustainable agricultural practices. To alleviate the distress in farming sector in India, the festival will donate part of the collections from the event to this cause.
