In an age characterized by division and strife, the National Mall in Washington D.C. welcomes a beacon of hope, the World Culture Festival. From September 29 to October 1, 2023, it will buzz with music, dance, art, and cuisine. A historic event, it promises the attendance of over 400,000 individuals with a further 100 million tuning in online.

The idea for such a festival in the heart of the U.S capital is not arbitrary. “We have always looked for strategic places that can induce a change in humanity,” explains Beatriz Goyoaga, director for LATAM of The Art of Living and the World Culture Festival and Peace. Recollecting the earlier festival held in Berlin’s stadium, she emphasizes the need for such strategic places to play host to unity events.

Diversity has been a buzzword, often touted yet rarely celebrated in its purest form. The festival seeks to remedy this, highlighting that we cannot progress with pervasive prejudices rooted in ignorance. Our survival and growth, both socially and economically, depend on understanding and embracing the vast tapestry of races, cultures, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

In today’s landscape, where depression and mental health challenges are rife, the Art of Living Foundation seeks to bring about a mental hygiene revolution. Just as we promote physical cleanliness, understanding and training our minds is equally crucial. It provides tools to reverse patterns of depression, violence, and other emotional challenges.

This aligns with the vision of the Art of Living Foundation. “The essence lies in the slogan – a body free from illness, a mind free from stress, an intellect free of doubts, and a soul free from sorrow. This is every human’s birthright,” says Goyoaga, whose credentials include being a Spanish reporter and political science expert fluent in seven languages. Her vast experiences, from interviewing global icons like Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana to living with Tibetan monks, have contributed to this initiative.

The festival is poised to be an amalgamation of global unity. With participants spanning from Argentina to Zimbabwe, it is an ambitious undertaking to promote unity and global togetherness. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser proudly announced the city’s role in hosting this epicenter of cultural unity. Over 1,000 religious and spiritual leaders, 500 dignitaries, and 17,000 artists will provide an enriching experience for all attendees.

The underlying objective? To convey that the world is one big family, replete with differences yet unified in purpose. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, eloquently puts it, “In such a polarized world, it’s time for us to unite and appreciate the planet’s rich diversity. We are one global family.”

The festival is more than a celebration of culture; it is an invitation to connect, to rejuvenate. As the Harvard scientist, Ronnie Newman explains, “Our mirror neurons repeat the environment we’re in.” With three days of festivities, meditation, and music, the festival aims to send waves of tranquility and peace across the world.

Inviting all to join this historical moment, the World Culture Festival offers a transformative experience. It’s not just an event but a movement towards understanding, acceptance, and universal human values. A time for renewal, celebration, and connection.

To participate in this global gathering, organized by the Art of Living Foundation in partnership with the Washington, D.C. Mayor’s office, visit www.artofliving.org and www.iahv.org for free tickets.

About The Art of Living:

One of the world’s largest volunteer-driven non-profits, the Art of Living, along with its partner organization, the International Association for Human Values, offers an array of programs spanning conflict resolution, environmental restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Their initiatives have touched over 500 million lives across 180 countries.

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Company Name: The Art of Living
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Website: www.artofliving.org