Sify.com

Bangalore, Feb 18: Marked by spiritual ambience, the three-day silver jubilee celebrations of the Art of Living (AOL) began in Bangalore on Friday February 17 with a confluence of people from all walks of life across the globe.

The venue at the Jakkur air strip on the outskirts of the city teemed with tens of thousands of people led by Sri Sri Ravishankar, spiritual guru and founder of AOL, which has a global presence.

Vedic chanting and ceremonies and discourses by religious and spiritual leaders kickstarted the celebrations, which were formally opened in the evening with address and blessings by representatives of different faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Governor T N Chaturvedi, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa attended the function, which was followed by guided meditation by Ravi Shankar.

A South Indian symphony, comprising 3,800 musicians, including 650 on mrudangams, 770 on Veena and 750 on flutes highlighted the evenings celebrations.

The celebrations are also to mark the 50th birthday of Ravi Shankar, whose Sudarshana Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique with a blend of yoga and meditation, has become popular, with the organisation spreading its wings to 144 countries.

Foreigners from 100 countries across the globe have descended in Bangalore in thousands.

President A P J Abdul Kalam would deliver the valedictory address on Sunday February 19.