LIVE: Watch - Art of Living’s World Culture Festival 2016 – Day 1

Mumbai: To mark the completion of 35 years of service to humanity, spirituality and human values spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living has organised a 3-day mega event - World Culture Festival 2016 - in Delhi from March 11 to 13, 2016. The cultural extravaganza will see artists, musicians and dancers from across the globe participating with utmost zest and enthusiasm.

The event aims at spreading the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – 'The World is one Family', by laying an emphasis on peaceful co-existence.

Watch the event LIVE here:

World Culture Festival 2016 Day 1 tentative schedule:  

5 PM- 5.15 PM

Welcoming the Dignitaries on stage

40 musicians will play the Nādaswaram, the world’s loudest non-brass acoustic instrument. This auspicious tradition is prevalent in temples across Southern India.

Invocation by Ms. Chandrika Tandon and troupe.

Ms. Tandon is a Grammy Nominee in the category for the Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2011.

Lighting the Lamp of Celebration

Dignitaries will be invited to light the lamp, which is an Indian tradition for an auspicious beginning.

Honouring Dignitaries from around the globe

Vedic Chants by 1000 Veda Pandits

A group of trained Sanskrit scholars with their students will recite peace prayers from the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scriptures.

5:15 PM to 5:35 PM

Welcome Address by Hon. Justice R.C. Lahoti

Former Chief Justice of India and Co-Chair of the World Culture Festival Reception Committee

A Presentation on The Art of Living’s 35-year journey by Cmde. Sarvotham Rao

Chairman of The Art of Living, India (Vyakti Vikas Kendra India)

5:35 PM to 5:45 PM

Address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder-The Art of Living

5:45 PM to 6:10 PM

The Art of Living Grand Symphony

8500 musicians will play 40 different instruments showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the world.

Release of the Commemorative Souvenir

Kathak Ensemble

1000 artists from different Gharānā (lineages) will present a spectacular performance of this classical dance form from North India choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.

6:10 PM to 6:50 PM

Inaugural Address by Hon. Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India

6:50 PM to 8:30 PM

Bharatnatyam Ensemble

1000 artists will express the spiritual aspect of life through the nuances and intricacies of this classical dance form from South India.

Addresses by Dignitaries

Horo Dance from Bulgaria

500 artists will perform the Horo, a traditional and festive Bulgarian dance form.

African Beats

A percussion extravaganza by 650 drummers from the vibrant continent of Africa.

Mohiniyattam & Kathakali

1500 artists will perform the nuances of two classical dance forms from the picturesque Southern State of India, Kerala

Whirling Dervishes

A mesmerizing performance by 121 dervishes from Turkey.

8:30 PM to 8:40 PM

Guided meditation conducted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

8:40 PM to 9:00 PM

Addresses by Dignitaries

Lithuanian Dance

Over 100 dancers will perform the authentic Lithuanian folklore elements representing the ancient baltic symbols.

Brazilian Samba

100 artists will bring the exuberance and energy of Samba, a much loved dance form.

Russian Dance

An artists group from Sverdlovsk region of Russia will present their traditional dance.

A Tribute

35 renowned playback singers and musicians from the Indian Film Industry honouring 35 years of The Art of Living.

Himachali Nati

1000 dancers from the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, India will perform Nāti, a folk dance enjoyed by people of all ages.

Tai Dance

300 dancers from Tailand will perform their national dance.

Gujarati Garbā Dance

Over 1000 dancers will perform the traditional folk dance from the vibrant state of Gujarat, India.

9:00 PM to 9:10 PM

The Art of Living Grand Symphony

8500 musicians will play 40 diferent instruments showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the world.