Bhaav 2025, an extraordinary cultural summit, captivated audiences over three awe-inspiring days at the serene Art of Living International Center. This was not just another art conference; it was a historic gathering that brought together 600 artists, cultural icons, and emerging talents united in their mission to honor, preserve, and revitalize India’s classical and folk art traditions.
From the sacred rhythms of Kerala’s Thayyam to the mesmerizing Yakshagana performance by the legendary Bananjje Suvarna, Bhaav 2025 was a celebration of the vibrant diversity within India’s rich artistic tapestry. The summit saw performances that ranged from Maach theater, traditionally performed by men but now inclusive of women, to Anuradha Pal’s electrifying Tabla Jugalbandi in tribute to her guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Srividya Varchaswi, Director of the World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC), eloquently summed up the essence of the summit, stating, “Artists, who dedicate their energy and passion to spreading joy, also need moments to recharge.” Bhaav 2025 served as that sacred space, allowing artists to replenish and find balance in their creative journeys.
A Spectacular Celebration of Art
Bhaav 2025 showcased an incredible range of performances that merged various dance forms and genres. The Panchjanya Dance Ensemble, choreographed by Sion Shankar, fused five distinct Indian classical dance styles—Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Manipuri—portraying cosmic harmony through synchronized movement.
Sneha Kappana’s all-female troupe defied gender norms with Karnataka’s traditional Kamsaale and Battakakunitu folk dances, offering a fresh perspective on historically male-dominated performances. Meanwhile, tabla virtuoso Anuradha Pal performed an unforgettable jugalbandi that highlighted the power of rhythm, melody, and spiritual devotion.
Dr. Deepak Mazumdar’s Bharatanatyam performance “Krishnamritam,” which poetically depicted Lord Krishna dreaming of himself as Rama, was a masterclass in grace and storytelling.
A Spirit of Oneness and Shared Purpose
The summit was a powerful demonstration of the unifying force of art. Legendary cultural figures such as Padma Shri Manjamma Jogathi and Sufi artist Vusat Iqbal Khan shared their experiences, emphasizing how art transcends all barriers—be it caste, gender, or religion.
“I want to keep coming here again and again. Its truly a world center for art and culture,” remarked Padmashri Balwant Singh Thakur, an ambassador of Dogri theater. Such sentiments were echoed throughout the summit, with participants reflecting on the spiritual undercurrent that connected everyone present.
Art Meets Spirituality
What truly set Bhaav 2025 apart was its unique fusion of art and spirituality. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the visionary behind the event, explained, “Art is an expression of the soul,” emphasizing that art flourishes in a mind free from stress. Artists at Bhaav were invited to engage in meditation and Sudarshan Kriya—a powerful breathing practice that helped them reconnect with their inner selves, fostering creativity and emotional restoration.
The event’s spiritual dimension was also apparent in the launch of Sita Charitam, a monumental initiative by The Art of Living, featuring 500 artists from 180 countries. This live performance project aims to showcase the diverse interpretations of the Ramayana in multiple indigenous languages, reinforcing the power of storytelling to preserve India’s cultural heritage.
Preserving Traditions and Creating Impact
The Kala Awards 2025 honored cultural stalwarts like Veena maestro R. Vishweshwaran, Yakshagana legend Bannanje Suvarna, and Mridangam virtuoso Vidwan A.V. Anand for their invaluable contributions to the preservation of their art forms. These awards highlighted the importance of keeping India’s classical and folk traditions alive in today’s fast-paced world.
A Movement to Preserve India’s Artistic Soul
Bhaav 2025 was more than just a conference—it was a movement aimed at preserving and promoting India’s rich artistic legacy. By blending traditional forms with modern creativity and spiritual wisdom, the summit provided a platform where artists from all walks of life could come together and celebrate the power of art.
As the summit concluded, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Every culture is a treasure. If even one disappears, the world becomes poorer. We must preserve and celebrate them all. May all art forms and artists continue to receive joy, fame, and prosperity in their lives.”
With its seamless integration of performance, spirituality, and cultural dialogue, Bhaav 2025 was a landmark event that will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
