Maharashtra set to shine at World Culture Festival

Mumbai: World Culture Festival (WCF),commencing in Delhi from March 11, will see over 3,000 artists from Maharashtra participating in the three-day extravaganza showcasing the state's rich culture and tradition of dance,
music and arts.

A total of 35,973 artists from 155 countries across the globe are expected to perform at the festival which includes 8,000 musicians playing 40 instruments.
Scores of tribal artists from Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Sikkim and others will also perform at the mega event, said the organisers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony while President Pranab Mukherjee would preside the valedictory function.

From Maharashtra, there would be over 1000 performers of "Dhangari Dhol" and "Pakhawaj" each and 1300 performers would present their recitals in the "Music Symphony" program, said a statement from (Maharashtra Chapter) Art of Living Foundation, which is organising the festival in collaboration with other
government agencies.

The Dhangar community, predominantly belonging from Kolhapur district conserves ancient spiritual traditions, integrates with nature, knows the medicinal value of herbs and sees divinity in everything in the nature.

Their 'Dhangari Dhol' recital is primarily surmised on the belief that it can find resonance with the universe, it said.

Artists from Maharashtra will play 40 different instruments including percussion, string and melody instruments, Tabla, Mrudang, Pakhwaj, Dhol, Khol, Dafali, Sitar, Violin, Gitar, Mouth organ, Flute, Santur, Sarod and Harmonium while blending their culture in the musical symphony.

This festival is a celebration of The Art of Living's 35 years of service to humanity, spirituality and rekindling of human values of over 370 million people across 155 countries, the statement said.

The festival believes to foster a deeper understanding between people of different faiths, nationalities and background.