SHIMLA: In a monumental event set to captivate the global stage, the Art of Living is poised to host the fourth edition of its World Culture Festival in the heart of Washington D.C., America that is set bring in over 17000 budding artists to US Capital for what is being termed as Olympics of Cultures.
The Indian Spiritual Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the Art of Living Foundation revealed in interview to US channel that Festival is set to shine a spotlight on thousands of emerging artists.
Gurudev explained that this conscious decision to support budding artists stems from the belief that they need a global platform to showcase their talents.
Over 17,000 artists have registered to perform at the festival, which promises to be a celebration of diversity and unity through music, dance, and meditation, he said.
When asked about his advice for the often over-scheduled and stressed-out Washingtonians, Shankar emphasized three elements that can unite people: shared meals, music and dance, and meditation.
The World Cultural Festival is poised to offer all three, with a culinary extravaganza featuring dishes from 180 countries, a massive stage for music and dance performances, and meditation sessions aimed at uplifting energy and fostering positivity.
Shankar also highlighted the long-standing presence of the Art of Living Foundation in the nation's capital, including their center near Meridian Hill Park.
He described the center as a hub for various classes, including breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques that are accessible to anyone interested.
During the interview, the host, Tom, even joined in for a brief meditation exercise, showcasing the inclusivity of the practices promoted by the Art of Living Foundation.
The World Cultural Festival is set to take place on the National Mall, and organizers are touting it as the "Olympics of Culture," emphasizing its non-competitive nature, where everyone can simply enjoy the festivities.
The stage, reported to be one of the largest ever seen on the National Mall, will host a myriad of cultural performances.
With over 500,000 participants hailing from more than 100 countries, this grand celebration of diversity and unity is expected to draw the attention of the world from September 29 to October 1.
This extraordinary gathering will be graced by a distinguished lineup of speakers, including His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, and many other former and current heads of state and leaders, among them Nancy Pelosi and former President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
Against the iconic backdrop of the U.S. capital, the event's stage alone spans the size of a football field. An astounding assembly of 17,000 artists representing more than 100 nations, coupled with several heads of state and intellectuals, will converge at the National Mall.
The projected participation of half a million people is set to make this a truly unprecedented global spectacle.
The festival's program encompasses over 50 performances, featuring a diverse array of cultural expressions.
Among the highlights are a traditional Chinese cultural performance boasting 1,000 singers and dancers, a Garba festival featuring 7,000 dancers, a dance performance by 700 Indian classical dancers accompanied by a live symphony, and a spectacular celebration of Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary, featuring legendary artists such as Curtis Blow, SHA-Rock, Sequence Girls, and DJ Kool, along with 100 choreographed breakdancers.
Ukrainian dancers will perform their traditional Hopak, and 1,000 guitarists will harmonize their melodies under the guidance of Grammy Award winner Mickey Free.
The festival will also pay homage to the iconic Bob Marley with a re-creation of his timeless classic "One Love" by his grandson, Skip Marley.
Significantly, this event will unfold at the National Mall, where in 1963, Martin Luther King delivered his historic "I have a dream" speech, championing the cause of equality and unity.
A century prior, at the First World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a powerful address that called for an end to religious fanaticism and intolerance, addressing the world's major religious representatives as brothers and sisters.
Art of Living expressed immense excitement about the event, emphasizing the organization's commitment to fostering unity and eliminating borders, religions, and races under the banner of "One World Family."
As an ode to the universal language of food, the festival will showcase delectable dishes from around the world and provide emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talents.
This monumental gathering promises to be a historic testament to humanity's shared spirit and cultural diversity, uniting people from every corner of the globe.
