The second day of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s World Culture Festival being held on the Yamuna riverbed was a huge hit on Saturday with people coming from across the world. The three-day cultural festival that was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attracted visitors from several countries, including over 80 people from Pakistan, who sought to “spread peace and love”.
Dignitaries from different countries participating in the event included former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, Vice-President of Suriname Ashwin Adhin and Speaker of Sri lankan Parliament Karu Jayasuriya.
During the mega event, Sri Sri signed a declaration of support to the International Solar Alliance. The cultural extravaganza began on Saturday with national and international artistes performing traditional dances and musical performances.
The event saw a celebration of spirituality as religious leaders, saints and spiritual heads from across the globe came together to spread the message of peace and unity.
About 50 musicians played the exotic strains of the Naadaswaram and 1,000 scholars sang vedic chants from ancient scriptures that resonated with peace followed by World Culture Festival theme song — Sangachadwam — ‘let us move together as one’.
The fusion of art and culture was visible in vibrancy of dance, and serenity of music was the highlight of the evening.
Dhangari Dhol (drums) were played by 1,008 artistes from Maharashtra and 250 folk dancers from Madhya Pradesh performed Gudum Baja, Pankhi dance from Chhattisgarh, while 34 artistes from Switzerland showcased the Alpine Horns. Traditional dance performance was held by Thailand artistes.
Sri Sri said, “We are here from so many different nationalities and faiths but for the same intention to spread peace and harmony. Daring the weather and inconvenience we want to show that we are determined to bring positivity in society where people from all different ideology come on one platform to agree on the common. 161 countries in 1,008 locations watched this event yesterday. It is so good to see many Imams from Pakistan, Mufti from Syria who said India has oldest philosophy of the planet. He said they need this peace today in Syria. We have people from Iraq, lebanon and Jordan here at this event.”
HH Swathantranand Maharaj, Sri Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Head Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana, HH Giani Gurbachan Singhji from Akal Takht Jathedar, Pakistan Senator Sherry Rehman, Pastor of Providence missionary Baptist church from USA Rev Dr Gerald Durley and HE Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia participated in the event.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated Sri Sri for organising the cultural festival in Delhi. “India with its broad vision is spreading love and peace across all over the world. India is the only nation in the world where Muslims, six different sections of Christians and many categories of Parsi community live. Sri Sri is trying to spread Indian culture in the world, I appreciate his efforts for this,” he said.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she was not surprised but overwhelmed to see the amalgamation of spirituality. “We all speak different languages but our own is the same and that is to spread peace. Today we can see the cultural homogeneity at its best. People from conflict zone Syria have also come to spread the message of peace.”
A message was sent by Dalai lama. “India has set an example in the world by following the path of non-violence. I request all to implement the combined knowledge of science and technology with ancient heritage values. Nalanda students will follow the traditional values. I offer my greetings to India on this occasion.”