Creative peacebuilding initiatives

To promote the good practices of peaceful co-existence Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar launched a series of creative performing arts initiatives across the world. This delivered a meaningful engagement with people from all cultures and traditions in a spirit of building mutual trust and friendship. The unique programs were showcased in Berlin, Bulgaria and different parts of India.

Cutting across linguistic, social and religious barriers throngs of people came together to share and appreciate rich cultural heritages of the world. Through these programs, Gurudev played an inspiring role to enhance peoples` freedom of expression through the performing arts.

Notably, the 25th and 30th anniversaries of the Art of Living celebrated in 2006 and 2011 respectively, saw the gathering of millions of people from different parts of the globe. Diverse communities showcased their traditions and cultures creating much acceptance and newer understanding towards them. Upon returning to their countries, this understanding has paved way for populace to create initiatives to work together and foster brotherhood.

Some of the other significant events which have garnered recognition from the Guinness Book of Records committee are:

13th November, 2012 - Candles for peace: The most candles lit simultaneously at a single venue is 12,135 and was achieved by The Art of Living Foundation (India) on the occasion of Diwali in Ahmedabad, India. 

16th May, 2012 – Bagpipes: The largest bagpipe ensemble was achieved by 333 participants at an event organized by the Art of Living Foundation at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria.

17th January, 2012 - Taal Ninaad: The largest hand drum ensemble consisted of 1230 people playing tabla drums and was achieved by the Art of Living Foundation (India) at Humbarwadi Estate, Solapur, India.

21st February, 2011 - Abhanga Naad: The largest dhol drum ensemble was achieved by 1,356 participants in an event organised by Art of Living at Shivaji University Ground, Kolhapur, India. (Duration: approx 23 minutes)

12th February, 2011 - Naatya Vismayam: The largest Kathakali dance was achieved by 150 participants at an event organised by the Art of Living at Putharikkandam Grounds in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. (Duration: 2 performances of approx 20 minutes each) 

30th January, 2011 - Naada Vaibhavam: The largest choir consisted of 121,440 people and was organised by The Art of Living (India), in Perungalathur, Chennai, India.

11 November 2010 - Mehran De Rang: The largest bhangra dance included 2,100 participants and was achieved by The Art of Living at the Punjab Agricultural University Campus, Ludhiana, India. (Duration: approx 15 minutes)

2nd November 2010 - Annam Brahma: The largest vegetarian buffet consisted of 5612 different dishes in an event organised by the Art of Living at Sri Sri Dham, Ahmedabad, India.

12th January, 2010 - Antarnaad: The record for the largest simultaneous sing-along was organized by the Art of Living and involved 1,04,637 participants singing 'Vande Mataram' at Antarnaad in Pune, India. (Duration: over 5 minutes)

21st November 2008 - Brahm Naad: The largest sitar ensemble consisted of 1,094 participants at an event organised by the Art of Living in Noida, Delhi, India. (Duration: 3 symphonies of approx 7 minutes each) 

28th November 2006 - Mohiniyattam: The most people performing a mohiniyattam dance was 1,200 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Art of Living at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Cochin, Kerala, India. (Duration: approx 12 minutes)