Crown Prince attends World Culture Festival 2016 in New Delhi
His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah was invited to the World Culture Festival 2016 being hosted in New Delhi from 11th to 13th March by the Government of India. An event to bring world leaders and people together as one world family and celebrate peace.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, said culture is the finest art that brings nations of the world under its umbrella.
‘’Culture is the main source of civilisation, albeit the fact that there is diversity among people across the globe, and the gathering in New Delhi is a proof of that,’’ Sheikh Mohammed said in an address he made at the Festival 2016.
It was a spectacle befitting the coming together of the entire world as one family. The Art of Living’s World Culture Festival had a grand opening in the presence of its founder and spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the presence of more than six thousand people. The festivities included a glorious symphony of 8500 artists, a spectacular Kathak ensemble of 1000 artists, ancient chants of peace, thousands of dignitaries, and a sea of humanity...
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, inaugurated the grand celebrations with a rousing address: “I compliment Gurudev for completing this mission of service since 35 years to over 150 countries. India is so diverse and it has so much to contribute to the world. Through Art of Living the world has got to know about India. I remember a reception by Art of Living family in Mongolia. The World Culture Festival is like the Kumbh Mela of Art and Cultures.”
The World Culture Festival is a celebration of 35 years of Art of Living’s service to humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival symbolises harmonious co-existence and celebrates diversity by bringing together the power of the people on a common platform. It was a celebration in true sense with the vibrancy of dance and also serenity of music.
Marking the momentous occasion, Gurudev said, “In India we have always dreamt of the World as one Family. Today that dream seems to be taking shape into reality – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – We are all one. People have come from far and wide – right from Argentina, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal etc. and I welcome you all here, and I would say that you have all come to your home. This is a spiritual home for you all.”
“Today we are giving out a very strong message of oneness to the whole world when it is so much needed, when there is so much gap between communities, nations, between ideologies etc,” he added.
The magnificent event lived up to its promise of the world’s largest celebration of diversity on the opening day with stellar performances from the finest of talent from all over the world.
The festival began with the exotic strains of the Naadaswaram as dignitaries from all over the world were welcomed on stage. 1000 scholars sang vedic chants from ancient scriptures that resonated with peace, which is at the core of the festival.
The highlight of the evening was The Art of Living Grand Symphony, where 8500 musicians mesmerised the audience with their music. The evening also witnessed magical performances showcasing the rich dancing traditions of India, including a Kathak Ensemble, of 1000 artists choreographed by none other than Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.
Mr. Cmde. Sarvotham Rao, Chairman, World Culture Festival, Chairman of World Culture Festival said, “We are now delighted to host the world’s largest get-together, the World Culture Festival (WCF), where artists, spiritual and religious leaders, politicians, and peacemakers have come together to showcase the power of power of goodness and happiness.”
The opening day of the World Culture Festival set the tone for the event. With the great line-up of performances and events which happened during the two days, the World Culture Festival captured the imagination of millions of people in Delhi and around the world.
One of the highlights of the closing day was ‘Cosmic Rhythm’, where over 4600 artists presented a performance comprising 30 dance forms, followed by a soulful rendition of Rabindra Sangeet by 1000 singers.
The traditional colors of India were showcased in the form of folk performances from Assam (Bihu), Rajasthan (Ghoomar) and Andhra Pradesh (Kuchipudi) among others. The international performances were led by Pakistani Sufi dancers, expressing the desire of unification with the almighty; and the Tango dance by Argentinian performers.
The World Culture Festival beautifully underscored the human desire for peace, for unity and happiness despite the diversity of thoughts, cultures, art and languages.
Organisers say the World Culture Festival celebrations demonstrated the power of peace by bringing 3.5 million people from around the world together.