Bhaav 2025: Celebrating India's cultural heritage

The Art of Living International Center is hosting Bhaav - The Expressions Summit 2025, a grand celebration of India's cultural diversity, from January 23 to 26, 2025. Organized by Srividya Varchaswi, Director of The World Forum for Art and Culture (WFAC), the summit unites over 600 delegates, blending performance arts, music, and folk traditions.

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A Unique Cultural Gathering

Bhaav stands apart from other festivals by offering a holistic experience. It provides artists a space to recharge and reconnect through practices like meditation, pranayama, and Sudarshan Kriya in the serene ashram environment. According to Srividya Varchaswi, the summit’s spiritual quotient bridges the gap between art and deeper human connections.

“Bhaav is more than an event; it’s an intention, expression, and celebration that allows artists and audiences to explore India’s rich heritage,” Varchaswi shared.

Highlights of Bhaav 2025

The summit celebrates inclusion, with a special spotlight on the trans community. Padmashri Manjamma Jogathi, renowned for reviving the Jogathi dance tradition, and Sushant Divgikar (Rani Ko-He-Nur), a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate, are key performers. Additionally, Saptamatrika, a Bharatnatyam performance by 10 transgender artists, underscores the summit's ethos of diversity.

Indian theatrical traditions will also shine, featuring legends like Padmashri Omprakash Sharma (Maach), Padmashri Balwant Thakur (Dogri theater), and Padmashri Waman Kendre. Their groundbreaking contributions to folk and contemporary theater ensure the vibrancy of these art forms.

Recognizing Excellence

The Kala Sarathi Awards honour artists with over 25 years of dedication to promoting Indian arts globally. Furthermore, Jhankriti, India’s largest virtual performing arts competition, fosters emerging talent across 25 categories.

Proceeds from Bhaav support over 100,000 children studying in 1,262+ free schools run by The Art of Living, making it a celebration with a cause.