World Cultural Festival

WCF Stage

“The next performance is from the country of the Himalayas. More than 145 artists from Nepal are performing various cultural dance.” Now was the moment to deliver our 2 month long practice of dance in front of the global audience of 3.75 million people from 168+ countries. This was a proud moment for Nepalese representing nation and its diverse culture after a massive earthquake and months long unofficial border blockade. The World Cultural Festival celebrated in Delhi, March 11, 12 and 13 on occasion of 35^th anniversary of The Art of Living was a remarkable event not only for 1000+ Nepalese attending it but also for the whole world.  Passing the dance selection, around 40 youths from Kathmandu practiced hard for a couple of month to perform in the WCF along with 100 others from all over the nation. Many youths volunteered pre-vent to include more people in the Olympics of festival. Finally, 105 participants including 50 youths left Kathmandu on March 9 by bus for Delhi.

The journey started with satsangs and antakshris. The heat of the plain terai affected all of us but the self made ‘chow-chow chatpate’ and ‘fulki’ of Bhairaba made the journey tasty! We reached Kashmiri gate, Delhi the next afternoon. The buildings, highways, universities and sports complex just before Delhi amazed all of us. The travel was lethargic but we were more excited to attend the WCF next day! Discussions, dinner and sleep. The next morning was THE DAY!. All of us were ready in National Dress. With flags and jhyamta and dhol, the whole scenario was exciting. People were giving a second look at us and we were feeling proud about it. We all drenched in light rain just before we entered the WCF venue. Lord Indradev, the king of the gods, welcomed all by rainbow!

Lord Indra welcoming us, 3.75 Million of us!

Meditation chantings, dance and speeches: WCF could take off no better. Aamzing performances one after other. Before we realized it was 9 pm and we were to leave the venue. Thanks to Ankur vaiya and WCF volunteers and few of we Nepalese who took the responsibility. Facing the hurdles, we reached the accommodation venue at 1:30 am in the morning. After a yummy lunch at Gurudwara nearby, we went to day 2 of WCF. The second day was windy; nevertheless, the speech from political leaders warmed the audience. Lightnings gave natural light to the event!

WCF stage with 12000 artists on it

Day 3 was when we had to give our performance. It was sunny and bright this day. We had rain, hail storm, rainbow, wind, lightning and sun in just three days of WCF. Once we rehearsed on stage, we were counting moments for our turn. “…artists from Himalayan country Nepal….” they announced and the dance went awesome. It was a lifetime opportunity to represent our nation among an audience of 3.75 million. We all held our head high in proud. Later that night. His Holiness guided a meditation for all present there. And that was the cherry on the cake!

We laughed, yelled, ate and fought and cried but never lost smile! WCF taught us several lessons. I got to know different dimensions of me. On March 15, we left Delhi with our minds full of memories and hearts full of ecstasy and gratitude.