On Yamuna's bank, a truly global fest

New Delhi: With preparations for World Culture Festival-an Art of Living initiative-on in full swing, the three-day event is set for a sparkling start on March 11. Organisers say 80% of the work has been completed and the event expects a footfall of 3.5 million.
The festival, marking 35 years of Art of Living-founded by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar-is a celebration of humanity, diversity and spirituality.
According to the organisers, an oval-shaped stage running up to 7.2 acres has been erected to showcase the festivities.
An extensive set of 5-7 contour bridges will facilitate visitor movement. In fact, the entire venue covers an area of 1,000 acres. A workforce of around 1,000 people is making all this happen.
"There is a lot of enthusiasm for the festival. People are coming from all corners of the country. Over 20,000 will join from abroad, too," said Atika Dhandia, one of the core organisers and director of training at Art of Living.
The decision to hold the festival along the Yamuna bank has deep significance, said Dhandia. "All civilizations and cultures have started along river banks. Bringing together all faiths and cultures together along Yamuna is how we wish to celebrate diversity."
The event will see participation from over 155 countries and performances by 35,953 artists from and outside India.
On display will be Samba from Brazil, a show by African drummers, Chinese euphonies by Shaolin Monks, Argentine Tango, a contemporary recital by Taiwanese dancers, traditional Lithuanian performances and dances from Nepal. Indian artists will showcase dance forms like Bhangra from Punjab and Panthi from Chhattisgarh, among others.
"A troupe of about 1,600 will perform Mohiniattam and Kathakali whereas a group of 1,000 will present Kathak. There will also be a symphony of 8,500 musicians playing 50 acoustic instruments," said Dhandia.
Each state has been assigned a choreographer for the performances. The event will also see vedic chants by a group of 2,000 and a world peace meditation that will be conducted by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on all three days. According to Dhandia, devotees of the spiritual guru have come together to sponsor the food at the event.
A Bollywood tribute composed by Jatin-Lalit will be performed by 35 singers, including Asha Bhosle, Shaan and Bhumi Trivedi.
Diplomats from different countries and spiritual gurus from various faiths will also a part of the festival. "There will be a representative from the Vatican. The Grand Mufti of Syria and the Shankaracharya will also be present," said Dhandia.
Talking about Sri Sri's vision and the concept of World Culture, she said it was a way to counter bad elements that divide humanity and exist all over the world.