New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in partnership with the Rays of Wisdom Society and supported by the Ministry of Culture, hosted the 8th International Ancient Arts Festival and Symposium from November 8 to 10, 2024. This event highlighted the interplay of art, religion, and healing, featuring an exhibition titled Metaphysical, Symbolic, and Healing Themes in Visual Arts and a conference on Art, Religion, and Healing. The festival emphasized the therapeutic potential of ancient art forms and included diverse performances and lectures that celebrated India’s spiritual and artistic heritage.
One of the cultural highlights was Antar Yatra, a dance performance presented by Dr. Reela Hota on the first day. This piece, rooted in yogic philosophy, explored consciousness and personal transformation through a journey from the base to the crown chakra, symbolizing the soul’s ascension to a state of ultimate unity or moksha. The festival’s subsequent days featured a vocal recital by Shri Shrinivas Joshi and a Kuchipudi performance by Smt. Yamini Reddy and her ensemble.
The conference, organized by the Rays of Wisdom Society and the Religion, Consciousness, and Spirituality Group, attracted leading scholars and experts who explored the role of art in healing. Topics included Art and Conflict Resolution, Healing in Baul Philosophy, Kundalini in Poetry, and The Aesthetics of Beauty. Scholars discussed how art forms like Odissi, Manipuri music, and traditional Malay psychotherapy hold healing potential, emphasizing art as a medium for personal and social transformation.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, delivered a keynote address at the conference’s inauguration, underscoring the concept of dharma as a guiding principle for life. He explained how dharma transcends conventional interpretations of religion, extending into one’s environment and relationships, fostering a sense of universal connectedness. Dr. Joshi highlighted the unique perspective on consciousness in Indian philosophy, explaining that consciousness, while universal, is also present within each individual, manifesting truth in diverse forms. He concluded by emphasizing that art in Indian culture serves not merely as entertainment but as a pathway to divine self-realization.
Dr. Madhu Khanna, Professor of Indic Religion and keynote speaker, elaborated on the role of Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in connecting people to art and spirituality. She explained how these texts unify diverse art forms and cultural expressions, while promoting continuity amidst societal shifts. Dr. Khanna highlighted the importance of rasa (aesthetic delight) and bhava (emotional response) in creating meaningful artistic experiences that transcend personal gratification.
In her remarks, Amita Sarabhai, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural legacy, particularly for younger generations. “This festival embodies our commitment to enriching cultural awareness,” she said, reinforcing the importance of heritage in fostering cultural pride. Prof. Richa Kamboj of IGNCA added, “Ancient Indian art embodies ‘spiritual contemplation’ as a path to divinity, infusing life into our cultural heritage.”
Other esteemed speakers included Guru Ramli Ibrahim of Malaysia’s Sutra Foundation, Prof. Swati Pal from Janki Devi College, and Dr. Shashi Bala of the K M Munshi Centre of Indology. Their discussions illuminated art’s profound role in healing and its capacity to foster peace, personal transformation, and a sense of unity with the divine.
The 8th International Ancient Arts Festival and Symposium concluded on a note of celebration, underscoring the timeless connection between spirituality, art, and healing. The event served as a vibrant platform for exploring how ancient art traditions continue to inspire and nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, reminding audiences of art’s enduring relevance in today’s world.