IAAF 2018

International Ancient Arts Festival 2018

Theme: Arts as Tools of Transformation of Society

After a short sabbatical, IAAF was held in March 10 and 11, 2018 at The Ashok Amphitheatre, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, the event showed how music and dance are vital therapeutic tools in traditional systems of healing. Adding to the value of this event was the fact that it had artists from Guinea and Switzerland along with those from India. According to the festival Director, Reela Hota, who founded the Ray of Wisdom Society, "This is the only multi-arts event of its kind which tries to educate while entertaining." The danseuse, who started a new chapter in Odissi dance and its spiritual aspect, said that the event will highlight how dance can help achieve a more balanced lifestyle and rounded personality in a common man's life filled with stress and strain.

There were performances by the World Music Group, Nandighosha from Switzerland, Djembe player Babara Bangoura from Guinea and a Kathak performance by Guru Shikha Khare.

Odissi Dance on Vedas by renowned dancer and spiritualist Reela Hota with a fashion show on healing colors is one of the highlights of Day 1. 'The Vedas: Eko Ham Bahu Shyam' showcases the different aspects of the Vedic culture and lifestyle as Vedas are the scriptures of ultimate knowledge that show the path to purge negative past karmas and fulfil all human desires while maintaining the harmony in society.

Dr Prerna Kohli, a Clinical Psychologist, and Sonia Bhandari, Consultant Art Therapist at Vimhans Hospital, spoke on Arts and Healing'. Some of the subjects that came up for discussion were – the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body and the unique and life-enhancing benefits of music available to many vulnerable, marginalized people. The finale was an award presentation to cultural impresario Churchil Pandhian from Chennai.