US EDITION
WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL
Thank you for your interest in the Art of Living’s World Culture Festival 2023. It was a historic celebration from Sept 29-Oct 1. Stay tuned for more updates and for the recap videos.
In the meantime, we invite you to join the Art of Living’s Part 1 course to discover SKY Breath Meditation, an evidence-based technique to reduce stress and balance emotions. Click below to learn more :
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
“This is going to be a huge event!”
“Food, dance and music from 180 countries! That is cool.”
“more than 50 world leaders and a myriad of performers and entertainers from across the globe”
“We are incredibly excited and proud to announce that Washington DC will host the fourth World Culture Festival in 2023. From September 29 to October 1, we will come together on the National Mall for a celebration of culture, diversity and unity,”
– DC Mayor Muriel Bowser
DISCOVER A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA, GLOBAL MUSIC, FOOD & MEDITATION
Eyes wide, senses alive.
Enjoy live music filling the air, from hip hop to the classics to world music. You’ll find whirling dervishes spinning to eternity & the stomps of flamenco dancers awakening the soul. All while international food trucks line up, offering countless dishes to savor. Join thousands unified in a yoga flow. Tap into joy, peace, and community. It’s the celebration of the decade on the National Mall in DC.
17,000 GLOBAL ARTISTS FROM ALL CULTURAL TRADITIONS
Welcoming performances start at 5 pm on Sept 29 & 30.
Reggae Rhythms with Skip Marley
An iconic reggae performance by Skip Marley, Bob Marley’s grandson, culminating in the classic “One Love”
Beats of Go-Go Music
Pulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’sPulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’s go-go bands, featuring the legendary hip hop hall of famer, DJ Kool. iconic go-go bands.
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”
A world class military band inaugurating the festival with pomp and circumstance
Native American Dance, Drums, and Land Acknowledgement
A Native American blessing and acknowledgement of the land by elders of the Piscataway and Lakota Tribes, followed by 100 Native American dancers and drummers
Blessings Invocation
250 high school students and 100 adults perform “United We Celebrate” with Grammy-nominated artist Chandrika Tandon.
Anka Dje Anka Be / Come Together in Unity: African Drums and Dance
Amadou Kouyate and his djembe and kora orchestra, accompanied by African dancers
Folk Rhythms of the Andes
Experience the richness of vibrant, graceful folk dances from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia
“America the Beautiful” and “Vande Mataram”
A choir of 250 high school students and 100 adults sing America the Beautiful and Vande Matram with Grammy-nominated artist Chandrika Tandon.
Jazz with the U.S. Army Blues
From “Pershing’s Own,” prepare for an electrifying jazz performance by the U.S. Army Blues.
Panchabootham: Indian Symphony and Classical Dance
The five elements will be represented through a symphony of 250 instrumentalists including sitar, veena, tabla, mridangam, flute, ghatam and violin, plus 600 dancers performing a variety of classical Indian dance styles
Arabian Nights: Middle Eastern Dance
Presented by the Sahara Dance, three dynamic segments with whirling tanoura, belly dance, and more from the Arabian Gulf, Egypt, and Lebanon
1000 Global Guitar Ensemble
Popular sing-along classics and an original anthem with renowned lead guitarists, including Grammy-award winners
10,000 Garba Dancers for Unity
10,000 garba dancers dance around the National Mall in a spirit of celebration.
Songs and Smiles: A 1,000 Person Celebration of Chinese Culture
Chinese classical choir, classical dancers, dragons, and kung-fu in a fusion of music, and movement
Dream with Ukraine
A Ukrainian folk dance Hopak is a collaborative performance of 10 different Ukrainian Dance Schools and Ensembles from various US states.
With Love to Ukraine
A melodious traditional Ukrainian song performed by Canadian women’s choir Sunday Singers under the leadership of a well-known conductor from Kyiv (Ukraine) Olena Astasheva, who had to leave her motherland due to war.
Thousand-Voice Gospel Choir
Performance by musicians from church and university choirs
Wonders of Bulgaria
300 artists dance to the soul-stirring melodies of Bulgarian singers.
Rhythms of LATAM
A fusion of traditional folk dances from Honduras, Panama, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic
Irish Step Dance
Lively Irish dancers in traditional dress showcasing the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle
Mystical Afghan Melodies
Whirling dervishes spin to the captivating melodies of a symphony of traditional musicians.
Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: Then & Now
Kurtis Blow and other Hip Hop legends perform, accompanied by 200 breakdancers, MC’s, DJ’s, and live graffiti art, with master breakdance choreography by King Charles and Kelli Forman, and epic graffiti art by King Cre8 and Steve Cas.
PLUS OFFSTAGE ACTIVITIES
The Ripple Effect
A Call To Action To Change Your Communities
INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS
A Chance To Connect, Learn, & Grow
WISDOM SERIES
An Intimate Time With Gurudev After The World Culture Festival
MINDFUL OASIS
Nourish Your Mental Well-Being At The Festival
KIDS CORNER
Fun & Games for Youngest Festival Goers
YOUTH EVENT
Peace Summit
INTERNATIONAL FOOD TRUCKS
Taste Cuisine From Around the World!
MORNING YOGA
For Blissful Life
17,000 GLOBAL ARTISTS FROM ALL CULTURAL TRADITIONS
Reggae Rhythms with Skip Marley
An iconic reggae performance by Skip Marley, Bob Marley’s grandson, culminating in the classic “One Love”
Beats of Go-Go Music
Pulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’sPulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’s go-go bands, featuring the legendary hip hop hall of famer, DJ Kool. iconic go-go bands.
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”
A world class military band inaugurating the festival with pomp and circumstance
Native American Dance, Drums, and Land Acknowledgement
A Native American blessing and acknowledgement of the land by elders of the Piscataway and Lakota Tribes, followed by 100 Native American dancers and drummers
Blessings Invocation
250 high school students and 100 adults perform “United We Celebrate” with Grammy-nominated artist Chandrika Tandon.
Anka Dje Anka Be / Come Together in Unity: African Drums and Dance
Amadou Kouyate and his djembe and kora orchestra, accompanied by African dancers
Folk Rhythms of the Andes
Experience the richness of vibrant, graceful folk dances from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia
“America the Beautiful” and “Vande Mataram”
A choir of 250 high school students and 100 adults sing America the Beautiful and Vande Matram with Grammy-nominated artist Chandrika Tandon.
Jazz with the U.S. Army Blues
From “Pershing’s Own,” prepare for an electrifying jazz performance by the U.S. Army Blues.
Panchabootham: Indian Symphony and Classical Dance
The five elements will be represented through a symphony of 250 instrumentalists including sitar, veena, tabla, mridangam, flute, ghatam and violin, plus 600 dancers performing a variety of classical Indian dance styles
Arabian Nights: Middle Eastern Dance
Presented by the Sahara Dance, three dynamic segments with whirling tanoura, belly dance, and more from the Arabian Gulf, Egypt, and Lebanon
1000 Global Guitar Ensemble
Popular sing-along classics and an original anthem with renowned lead guitarists, including Grammy-award winners
10,000 Garba Dancers for Unity
10,000 garba dancers dance around the National Mall in a spirit of celebration.
Songs and Smiles: A 1,000 Person Celebration of Chinese Culture
Chinese classical choir, classical dancers, dragons, and kung-fu in a fusion of music, and movement
Dream with Ukraine
A Ukrainian folk dance Hopak is a collaborative performance of 10 different Ukrainian Dance Schools and Ensembles from various US states.
With Love to Ukraine
A melodious traditional Ukrainian song performed by Canadian women’s choir Sunday Singers under the leadership of a well-known conductor from Kyiv (Ukraine) Olena Astasheva, who had to leave her motherland due to war.
Thousand-Voice Gospel Choir
Performance by musicians from church and university choirs
Wonders of Bulgaria
300 artists dance to the soul-stirring melodies of Bulgarian singers.
Rhythms of LATAM
A fusion of traditional folk dances from Honduras, Panama, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic
Irish Step Dance
Lively Irish dancers in traditional dress showcasing the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle
Mystical Afghan Melodies
Whirling dervishes spin to the captivating melodies of a symphony of traditional musicians.
Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: Then & Now
Kurtis Blow and other Hip Hop legends perform, accompanied by 200 breakdancers, MC’s, DJ’s, and live graffiti art, with master breakdance choreography by King Charles and Kelli Forman, and epic graffiti art by King Cre8 and Steve Cas.
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
The Ripple Effect
A Call To Action To Change Your Communities
INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS
A Chance To Connect, Learn, & Grow
WISDOM SERIES
An Intimate Time With Gurudev After The World Culture Festival
MINDFUL OASIS
Nourish Your Mental Well-Being At The Festival
KIDS CORNER
Fun & Games for Youngest Festival Goers
YOUTH EVENT
Peace Summit
INTERNATIONAL FOOD TRUCKS
Taste Cuisine From Around the World!
MORNING YOGA
For Blissful Life
PLUS OFFSTAGE ACTIVITIES
Nourish your heart, mind, and body with
inspiration, meditation, & food from all traditions
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
Experience Peace, Joy and Acceptance of Self and Others
World Culture Festival is an unforgettable cultural extravaganza, featuring incredible voices, talent, and creativity from around the world. YOU are invited to participate, share your uniqueness, and connect with others at this one of a kind event.
Sunrise Yoga on the Mall
Take your practice to another level with Gurudev and thousands of yoga teachers and practitioners on the National Mall.
Prior World Culture Festivals in Numbers…
In its last three editions, WCF reached seven million people in-person and drove hundreds of millions of views online, making it the most successful recurring global artistic event in human history.
2016
NEW DELHI
3.75 MILLION ATTENDEES
INCLUDING:
36,600
Artists and Performers
2,500
Spiritual and Religious Leaders
110
Countries represented
2011
BERLIN
70,000 ATTENDEES
INCLUDING:
6,000
Artists & Dignitaries
151
Countries represented
2006
BANGALORE
2.5 MILLION ATTENDEES
INCLUDING:
3,800
Musicians and Performers
750
Political and Business Leaders
1,000
Spiritual & Religious Leaders
THE NATIONAL MALL
A HISTORIC SETTING for unity
The Mayor of DC, Honorable Muriel Bowser invites the world to the National Mall to experience the World Culture Festival, made in the USA. The power of this site as a symbol of the people exercising their freedom to live together and accept each other as unique individuals, cannot be overstated.
Get Festival Ready
Elevate your experience with the latest merchandise and take home a piece of history! Available online only. Pre-order today and pick up at the festival 🎉
*Last chance to get your festival gear! No merchandise will be on sale at WCF.
Festival Posts
WCF 2023: Messages From U.S. Government and Religious Leaders
Civic and religious leaders from all over the United States will attend the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC. The festival will take place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023. Many have sent their congratulations and best wishes to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation. Read some of their inspiring messages below. Susie Lee, Congresswoman from Nevada’s 3rd District in Las Vegas, NV Hi there, I’m Congresswoman Susie Lee, and I’m so proud to welcome the World Culture Festival to the United States this year. I represent one of the most diverse communities in…
World Culture Festival 2023: Global Leaders’ Messages
Leaders from all over the world will attend the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC. The festival will take place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023. On September 30th, there will also be a Global Leadership Forum. Those who cannot attend have sent their congratulations and best wishes to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation. Read their inspiring messages below. Ted Ballieu, Premier of Victoria, Australia 2010-2013 I’m a very proud member of the Welcoming Committee for the World Culture Festival in Washington. Now, sadly, because of some recent hip surgery, I’m now not…
Global Leadership Forum 2023: Shaping a Humane Future
As part of the 2023 World Culture Festival, the Art of Living and its founder, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, will hold a Global Leadership Forum on September 30th. What is the Global Leadership Forum? The Global Leadership Forum (GLF) convenes over 1000 global leaders from business, government, and international institutions to exchange ideas and solutions and forge partnerships to tackle key corporate and societal challenges of our time. The theme of this year’s GLF is “Shaping a Humane Future.” It will showcase three frontiers of corporate and societal challenges and innovations: Individual Mental Health Work-Life Balance Corporate and Community…
World Culture Festival at The National Mall in DC: A Festivalgoer’s Guide
Everyone’s excited about the upcoming World Culture Festival! If you don’t already have your pass, stop what you’re doing and get your free pass now! Topics covered: Getting to and from the National Mall What to bring each day Prohibited items Programming overview Friday, September 29th Saturday, September 30th Sunday, October 1st Festival Village: Offstage activities Food options Bonus program: Wisdom series with Gurudev Getting to and from the National Mall Uber and Lyft may not be able to get you close to the National Mall given the number of visitors for the World Culture Festival (WCF), but MassTransit options…
Going to WCF? Here are Some Things to do Near the National Mall
So you’re going to the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC! Woo hoo! While you’re in town, you might as well take in some of the sights. DC is the home of many, many museums and attractions. We’ve outlined some of the best places to visit along the National Mall (where it is ALL happening!). Plus, how to get around the greater DC area. Getting to and from the National Mall Uber and Lyft may not be able to get you close to the National Mall given the number of visitors for the World Culture Festival (WCF), but MassTransit options…
World Culture Festival Highlights: You Gotta Garba!
You’re probably sitting at work or home right now, reading as a welcome distraction from a task or chore, maybe listening to music. If you are, are you drumming out a beat with your pen? Or tapping your toes? It’s what we all do–multi-tasking, unaware of the rhythm around us. An unnoticeable, insignificant, singular tap of the foot. Perhaps out of boredom, or maybe there’s a familiar song you’re streaming. There it is. Your toes start tapping. The song was a distraction at first, but now you feel its beat and your awareness shifts. That rhythm, that power, that shift…
Be Part of the Historic Yoga for Blissful Life Event!
Let me ask you a simple question, How are you doing, really? Just pause for a few seconds, close your eyes, and bring your complete attention to yourself. And now, answer the question, how do you really feel? Are you calm, energized, and capable of taking on the challenges in life? Or are you feeling tired, dull, frustrated? If you often feel that way, yoga, a tried and true practice, might be the answer you seek. If you answered yes to feeling calm, energized, and able to handle life’s challenges, you probably already practice yoga! A Way to Peace &…
A Look Back at the First World Culture Fest in Bengaluru, India 2006
From the 17th to the 19th of February 2006, the world witnessed Art of Living’s very first World Culture Festival (WCF), also known as the Silver Jubilee Celebrations. Borders faded as millions came together from over 150 countries to experience and celebrate His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message. From erecting the world's largest stage of 3.5 acres (until WCF 2016, when the stage was seven acres) to managing the 243 acres of ground at Jakkar airfield, a team of 20,000 volunteers put together a sensational three-day event. For the first time in the history of Indian music, a gathering…
A National Mall History Brief for World Culture Festivalgoers
The National Mall in Washington, D.C., is the perfect location for the World Culture Festival. Washington, D.C., has a rich history, especially related to the National Mall. Read on to learn what makes this location so special. In the beginning In 1791, President George Washington hired Pierre Charles L'Enfant to design the layout of the federal city. L'Enfant concentrated on the space between Tiber Creek, now Constitution Avenue, and the Eastern Branch, also known as the Anacostia River. L'Enfant surveyed the area in the spring of 1791 and created a plan for the city by the end of the year.…
A Look Back at the World Culture Festival in Berlin, Germany 2011
On the occasion of the Art of Living Foundation’s 30th anniversary, visitors from 151 countries converged at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, in numbers greater than 70,000, celebrating Art of Living’s accomplishments and diversity from every corner of the world. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of the World Culture Festival (WCF) 2011. Topics covered Some of the Messages from World Leaders Cultural Performances The Yoga Park The Light of Leadership Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a portrait Invitation to attend WCF 2023 Some of the Messages from World Leaders Prof. Ruud Lubbers Former Prime Minister…
SPIRITUALITY
World Culture Festival: Heart-Stirring, Breathtaking, Life-Altering
World Culture Festival is a global event series organized by the Art of Living Foundation and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. These festivals celebrate the diversity of culture on this planet, with the aim of increasing peace and belongingness through meditation and celebration. The most recent World Culture Festival (WCF) was held in 2016 in New Delhi, India, and was attended by more than 3.5 million people. The festival also set a world record for having the largest stage in history, seven acres! Here’s Charlie Baldwin’s personal story from WCF, culminating in an unexpected experience on that historic seven-acre stage.…
SPIRITUALITY
World Culture Festival Through the Eyes of a Spiritual Seeker
If you haven’t heard of a World Culture Festival yet, you are about to know about the biggest spiritual gathering on the planet! I’m thrilled to share with you my experiences at not one or even two of these unique gatherings, but three global celebrations. I’m even more excited to share that the U.S. will host multiple state-level celebrations across the U.S. in 2022 and two global celebrations in 2023! Read on to be inspired! First-ever World Culture Festival – Bangalore, India Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to miss big events hosted by the Art of…
BE THE CHANGE
The Healing Impact of World Culture Festival
According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), three-quarters of the world’s conflicts have a cultural dimension. How do we have less division and more harmony on the planet? Reggae artist Ziggy Marley believes that festivals can bring collective well-being! And he’s not the only one! Art of Living founder and global humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has been at the forefront of World Cultural Festivals since 2006. His message is that “diversity is the beauty of creation” and that celebrating diversity with millions of people has a healing impact. With the United States set to host…
SPIRITUALITY
World Culture Festival Through the Eyes of a Spiritual Seeker
What does a world culture festival have in common with spirituality? Read the inspiring story of one former participant’s experience. If you haven’t heard of a World Culture Festival yet, you are about to know about the biggest spiritual gathering on the planet! I’m thrilled to share with you my experiences at not one or even two of these unique gatherings, but three global celebrations. I’m even more excited to share that the U.S. will host multiple state-level celebrations across the U.S. in 2022 and two global celebrations in 2023! Read on to be inspired! First-ever World Culture Festival –…
MEDITIATION
The Ultimate Guide to Meditation: Techniques, Benefits, and Tips
Are you looking for a one-stop guide to all your meditation questions? This ultimate guide has everything you need! Read to learn more. Why does it seem that meditation can be so complicated and difficult to learn?!? In spite of ourselves, we can sometimes make a mess of what should be a simple process, in part because we try too hard. Just like with anything worth mastering, we all need a guide and clear instructions when it comes to meditation. Let’s get you started with our ultimate guide to meditation so you can easily master meditation. Topics covered: What is…
SPIRITUALITY
Awakening Joy: A Conversation Between Gurudev and André Duqum
Read part of this lovely conversation between global meditation master, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and André Duqum of the “Know Thyself” podcast. In an interview with André Duqum on his “Know Thyself” podcast, Gurudev responds to questions about laughter, joy, ignorance, acceptance, and the self. Read just some of this conversation below. Wisdom and laughter Why is it that the more wise you are the more you laugh? That’s life. Life is joy and bliss. Our spirit is that way if you’re free from stress and tension. Laughter is natural to us. When a baby isn’t hungry, sleepy, or…
MEDITIATION
World Culture Fest: Past Experiences and Future Celebrations
The event of a lifetime is happening September 29th through October 1st in the US for the very first time. Here’s what you need to know. One of the largest multicultural celebrations on the planet is happening at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. this fall! To help you wrap your mind around this stellar event, I am here to share some past experiences and what you can expect when you attend! #WCF2023 First, a little background… Who, what, why, and how much Who This massive celebration is organized by the Art of Living Foundation and its founder, Gurudev Sri…
BE THE CHANGE
World Culture Festival: Celebrate at the Cultural Event of a Lifetime
Learn how you can be a part of the largest celebration of diversity in history when the World Culture Festival comes to the USA! Here’s a question for you. When was the last time you got out and really experienced the world? I know, things haven’t been easy lately. We’ve all had to manage challenges we never could have imagined just a few years back. But we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now, so it’s time to get out and celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than at the World Culture Festival (WCF) when…
World Leaders Supporting WCF 2023
H.E. Ban Ki-Moon
Reception Committee Chair 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, South Korea
H.E. Pravind Jugnauth
Prime Minister, Mauritius
H.E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere
President, Fiji
H.E. Chan Santokhi
President, Suriname
H.E. Jacques Santer
Former President, European Commission Former Prime Minister, Luxembourg
H.E. Erik Solheim
Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) Former Minister of International Development & Environment, Norway
H. E. Kjell Magne Bondevik
Former Prime Minister, Norway Founder and Executive Chair, The Oslo Center
H.E. Helen Clarko
Former Prime Minister, New Zealand
H.E. Nambaryn Enkhbayar
Former President, Mongolia
Business leaders SUPPORTING WCF 2023
Rob Trombold
President, Art of Living Convener, World Culture Festival
Ann Luskey
Founder and Trustee, Charlotte’s Web
The Honorable Binod Chaudhary
Member of Parliament, Nepal Chairman and President, The Chaudhary Group (CG)
Chirag Patel
President and CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Courteney Monroe
Chief Executive Officer, National Geographic Networks
The Honorable Francisco Sanchez
Former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce, US Department of Commerce
The Honorable Jo Leinen
Former Member, European Parliament
#WCF2023, #UnitedWeCelebrate, #EnoughDivision, #TheArtofLiving
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
United We Celebrate
You can also play a role in uniting this country and this world. One way is to participate. Another way is to donate so that we can fund the production. All donations are tax-deductible.