Be among the first guests to enjoy the gallery at Wonderful India Festival, a month-long exhibition and celebration of the artistic and cultural wonders of India through art, music, dance, and cultural performances.

On this special Saturday evening, gather with other community members in an uplifting and auspicious evening of group kirtan singing in celebration of the festival opening. No prior experience with kirtan is necessary; all are welcome to participate and experience the uplift of this community gathering with singing led by Art of Living Band. Singing will begin around 6pm.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats and/or blankets to experience this event through the traditional practice of sitting on the floor. (We will have a few mats available, and chairs will be available for those who prefer alternative seating.)

RSVP via Eventbrite required to attend, with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 5:00p to 8:00p
Where: 3806 Cherrywood Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Parking: Free parking available streetside and in Maplewood Elementary School lot at 3809 Maplewood Ave.

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What is Satsang?
The word satsanga is derived from the Sanskrit phrase translating roughly as “group/association with purity/truth.” Satsangas are large group gatherings conducted to mark important events; activities during a satsanga might include group singing, chanting, or meditation.

What is a kirtan?
Kirtan is type of collective musical chant, often sung in large groups with one or more lead singers accompanied by various music and percussion instruments. The lyrics are sung in a repetitive call-and-response manner to evoke a meditative state.

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About the Greater Austin Art of Living Band
The satsang by the Art of Living band is a musical journey into Kirtan music sung primarily in Sanskrit, an ancient language known for its healing vibrations. Art of Living Band musicians fuse their diverse backgrounds in rock, soul, world and jazz music with their love for meditation and yoga to bring expression to this beautiful form of meditative singing.

The band has performed in several locations in Austin in front of a crowd of hundreds. All band members actively volunteer on community service projects and use their music to help harmonize, heal and uplift the people around them.

The Art of Living band is inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a stress-free, violence-free family has inspired millions of people worldwide.

The band is composed of
Ganesh Vishnwanathan – Vocals/Guitar,
Yamuna Selvanathan – Vocals,
Niru Rajagopal – Vocals,
Katherine Boswell – Harmonium,
Nitish Mehta – Drums,
Selva Kumaraswamy – Drums.

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About the Festival
Wonderful India is a month-long festival featuring local artists and performers representing different regions and traditions of India. Experience artwork, music performances, dance recitals, community gatherings, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations in celebration of India’s artistic and cultural traditions.

Plan Your Visit to the Festival
Open Gallery Hours are scheduled at designated times through the week, along with curated cultural events and performances on the weekends. To view details about the schedule and lineup of artists and performers, visit www.wonderfulindiafestival.com.

Production & Supporters
Wonderful India Festival is produced by Artly World Nonprofit and has been financed in part by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program.