By Okon Ekpenyong

Despite the potential US government shutdown in Washington DC, the World Culture Festival continued as planned this past weekend. The festival organizers remained determined to celebrate the diversity of cultures worldwide and provide a platform to unite people. The festival is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the global community’s power.

The birth of the World Culture Festival is through “The Art of Living & International Association for Human Values.” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Spiritual Leader and a world-renowned global humanitarian is the founder and strives to unite the world and spread these values globally. On August 23, 2023, the Spiritual Leader spoke at the Hilton Columbus at Easton about “The Journey Within: Meditation & Wisdom.”

Despite the ongoing potential US Government shutdown, Washington, DC, still hosted the first-ever World Culture Festival in the US and at the Nation’s Capital. Not suspending the event was a potential unifying event that could help to bridge the political divide and stop the government shutdown.

The event brings people of different cultures and backgrounds together to celebrate diversity and foster understanding. By creating a space of mutual respect and appreciation, the festival could help to break down the barriers of mistrust and hatred that are causing the talk of the shutdown in the first place.

The festival included live performances, art exhibits, culinary tastings, and more. It was an excellent opportunity for the city to highlight its vibrant and diverse communities and to foster international relationships.

Several media reports noted that it was the largest gathering event in the DC area this year, with people from all over the world attending. Over 400 thousand Attendees packed the 14th Street by Washington monument to the capitol.

Before the event, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “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.”

“The music brings people together; it is a feeling, a spirit that transcends words and boundaries,” the grandson of legendary icon Bob Marley told NBC4 Washington.

He said, “he hoped that the attendees take back with them to the corner of the world some positivity, some aspect of delight, to spread to others around them and to nurture their growth.”

The founder believes that when we have the same human values, we can unite despite our cultural differences and celebrate the beauty of diversity. He has also emphasized that these values are at the forefront of our lives. We can create a harmonious world by celebrating our differences and promoting understanding and peace between cultures.

Overall, it’s the fourth World Culture Festival; Bangalore 2006 was the first, followed by Berlin in 2011, New Delhi in 2016, and Washington, DC, United States in 2023. In 2006, 2.5 million people attended the first event in Bangalore, featuring over 1,000 spiritual and religious leaders, 3,800 musicians and performers, 750 political and business leaders, and representatives from 110 countries and territories. Seventy thousand people attended the 2011 edition in Berlin, Germany, including 6,000 artists, dignitaries, and representatives from 151 countries.

“Today, that dream is taking shape into reality,” said Shankar, the founder.

“It is not an accident that the art of living is in the Nation’s Capital at such a time as this because, in such a divided nation, we need peace where people can speak to each other, respect each other’s differences, and come together, to have a more powerful reunion,” said one of the guest speakers, Revered Doctor Sheryl Durley.

The global culture festival was an incredible success, featuring a wide range of music, dance, and visual art worldwide. Thousands of international artists from all cultural traditions rocked the world culture festival stage, including Dream with Ukraine, Wonders of Bulgaria, and Reggae Rhythms with Skip Marley. Attendees were mesmerized by the vibrant performances and left the event feeling inspired and connected to the world’s diverse cultures.

The event also featured various vendors and exhibitors, providing attendees with multiple goods and services. Some workshops and masterclasses allowed attendees to gain insight into the spiritual and cultural aspects of the event. The festival also featured interactive art installations, a wisdom series, a mindful oasis, kid’s activities, a youth event, morning yoga, and many international food trucks.

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