The three-day event has been wrapped in controversy for days over allegations that irreparable damage has been done to the delicate ecosystem of the river by the organisers, Sri Sri's Art of Living foundation.
Lighting the lamp of 'Service' with dignitaries on the dias & 3.5 million from 155 countries.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu.
We need Art of Living to follow our dreams, to fight challenges, to live for others: PM.
Through Art of Living, the world has got to know about India. I remember a reception by 'Art of Living' family in Mongolia: PM Narendra Modi.
'If we keep criticising everything we have and do not take pride in our cultural legacy, why should the world look at us?' - PM Modi at Sri Sri event.
I want to congratulate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His mission has spread all over the world, in various nations: PM.
India is so diverse and it has so much to contribute to the world: PM.
I heartily welcome you to the land of India. The world is not only connected to economic issues. The world can be connected with humanity as well: PM Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech at World Culture Festival in Delhi.
A spectacular dance performance featuring thousands of performers from India and abroad marked the opening of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's mega World Culture Festival on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi.
The three-day festival has been wrapped in controversy for days over allegations that irreparable damage has been done to the delicate ecosystem of the river by the organisers - Sri Sri's Art of Living foundation.
Moments before the opening, rain and hail led to chaos at the site that covers a 1000 acre area starring a stage as big as six football fields for 35,000 performers from 150 countries including Pakistan, Brazil and Argentina.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at World Culture Festival's venue.
At least 1,500 officials and a team of Eagle Commandos deployed at the venue on Yamuna river plain. Hundreds of securitymen guarding hotels where dignitaries and artists are staying across Delhi.
Over the next three days, the festival will feature musical performances, mass meditation sessions and prayers led by Sanskit scholars. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has described it as "a Cultural Olympics".
Art of Living Foundation's World Culture Festival has started in Delhi.