Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming World Culture Festival 2016, organised by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of living to be held from March 11 to 13 on the floodplains of the Yamuna River.
Around 4,000 personnel from all 17 police stations in the South-East district and Delhi Police’s specialised units will be deployed for the festival.
On Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the event that will feature musical and dance performances by 35,000 artistes, peace prayers, yoga and meditation sessions by people from across the globe.
Even though a terrible stench emanating from the highly-polluted Yamuna River hangs over the dust-covered venue that resembles a desert right now, it is not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers or curious onlookers who have already started thronging the venue spread over 60 hectares.
“The place really stinks due to the Yamuna being close by and there is a lot of dust too. But I believe one would get used to it once the event begins. I am really looking forward to the main event and things may get better in the coming days,” said Mohit Singh, a resident of Mayur Vihar, who had dropped by to check out the preparations.
With just a day to go for the event, security forces have been monitoring the hectic arrangements as 25 lakh people, including business tycoons, politicians and VVIPs are expected to attend the festival.
At least nine pontoon bridges (including three heavy bridges) have been constructed on the river to facilitate movement of participants. While three bridges has been constructed by event organisers, the Army has built two pontoon bridges and is in the process of building two more.
The bridges will be earmarked for entry and exit from the venue to avoid a stampede-like situation.
Meanwhile, JCBs can be seen digging big holes to station powerful lights while trucks full of materials needed for the event are making frequent trips. Thousands of chairs and sofas are being placed while huge music systems and lED screens are being installed.
Huge stalls of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ayurveda and Publications have also come up at the site.
“The three-day festival that will start at 5 pm and go on till 10 pm, will be attended by people from all walks of life. We will focus on ways to improve lifestyles. We held a similar event in Bengaluru in 2006 when Art of living completed 25 years, and another in Berlin when we completed 30 years,” said Sanjay Kumar, director, Art of living.
Asked about the number of people who can be accommodated on the site, Kumar said the area cannot accommodate more than 25 lakh people.
“We are expecting a crowd of 25 lakh and we cannot accommodate more than that,” he added. The Art of living Foundation has deployed 6,000 volunteers of its own for the extravaganza that will feature performances by 650 South African drummers, musicians from Syria, Afghanistan and Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi recitals to name a few.
“We are excited to perform at such a huge event. We will be performing in front of lakhs of people which is a matter of great privilege and honour for us,” said Kavita, a Kathak dancer from Hyderabad.
Nearly 20,000 foreigners who are members of Art of living will be coming to join the festival. “We have booked all the rooms of leela Kempinski hotel and few others to ensure the members have a peaceful stay here,” Sanjay Kumar said.