190 Countries | 12 Guinness Records | 1 World Family | 2.9 Million+ Artists | 4 World Culture Festival
Bhaav 2023
The journey of any art begins with first imbibing the vocabulary of the art form into the body or the sthul sharir, which connects with sagun sākara (both quality and form). The next step is the transference of the effects of these movements into the physiological inner space or the sukshma sharira, which connects with sagun nirakār (with quality but no form). This then transfers to the kārana sharira or ātma which has no form or quality. What is absorbed into this formless space within us is an intangible imprint [sanskār] that can best be described as ‘Bhaav’. It is when the performer and the spectator get connected through the nebulous thread of ‘Bhaav’ does one experience deep emotion.
The Expressions Summit brought together 108 legends of Indian classical art.
Jhankriti 2023- Sanskriti Ki Jhankaar
In its second edition, Jhankriti 2023, presented by The World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC), was a pivotal part of the 42nd-anniversary celebrations of the Art of Living. Collaborating with the World Culture Festival 2023 in Washington, DC, Jhankriti 2023 emerges as a magnificent testament to the rich tapestry of Indian art and culture. It harmonizes seamlessly with the Art of Living’s commitment to nurturing cultural diversity and fostering unity through the medium of art.
This grand event extends a warm invitation to young artists worldwide, urging them to participate in four distinctive fields of Arts – Gayan (Indian classical/semi-classical vocal), Vadan (Indian classical instrumental/percussion), Nritya (Indian classical and folk dance forms), and Natya (Indian theatre). The competition is thoughtfully organized into three age categories: Below 12 years, 12 to 16 years, and 17 to 21 years. Jhankriti 2023 serves as an inclusive platform, encouraging artistic expression and celebrating the boundless creativity of the global youth.
Kala Arpan
The flagship festival of the forum, Is a Yagya of music and dance that echoes this highest form of gratitude to the divine.
Kala Arpan has hosted more than 150 performances of the maestros of the Indian classical world.
i) Kala Arpan 2020, had 40 artists performing online
ii) Kala Arpan 2021, had 108 artists performing online
iii) Kala Arpan 2022, had 250 artists performing offline over 15 days
iv) Kala Arpan 2023, had 240 artists performing offline over 15 days
One Forum. Diverse Cultures and Artists
First-ever Global Stage celebrating diversity. To bring together humanity through the performing arts
For four long decades, The Art of Living has brought together millions from across the globe in celebration of traditional art and art forms through several grandiose events. To further build on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji’s vision of a ‘One World Family’, the organisation is launching the first of its kind World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC), a cultural wing that will allow global artists to come together to create historic art through collaborations, and also provide an open platform for teaching and learning traditional art forms from across the globe. As the idea takes shape , the WFAC will strive to become a resource centre for academic research projects on art forms, to preserve the magnanimous reservoir of cultural heritage that has been passed on to the modern world through generations before.
To allow the reach of these cultural nuggets to be as wide as possible, WFAC is offering both online live classes with ace teachers, and self-paced classes to fit in with busy schedules. Our programs have received mentorship and guidance from the doyens of classical art forms in India and abroad, converging for the first time together on such a large scale.
Over the years, many, many artists have chosen to perform on The Art of Living stages, and for the first time through WFAC, these artists would be able to connect, collaborate and create magic, all coordinated through the WFAC team.
And this is just the beginning!