The Cultural Festival of India (CFI), held on the grounds of The Alexandra Palace, was the first of its kind to bring the wonders of India to London. This 33-day festival attracted over a million visitors from across the globe. CFI featured 4 intricately carved mandirs, 16 magnificent displays, and 5 beautiful gates. All of these structures were skillfully crafted in India and then shipped to London where they were assembled on the festival grounds. Additionally, CFI showcased 14 types of traditional Indian folk dance and musical performances by various pandits and maestros. People no longer needed to travel to India to experience its breathtaking beauty, spirituality, sights, and sounds; they could visit the festival grounds to enjoy India in the center of London!
Festival Highlights:
- Over 1 million visitors from Europe, North America, Africa, and India.
- Cultural and historical seminars conducted by learned sadhus and scholars.
- More than 14 different folk and classical dance performances from different parts of India were showcased.
- “Cradle of Civilization” exhibit journeyed through 5,000 years of Indian civilization.
- Intervention and de-addiction campaign helped thousands of people begin new, addiction-free lives.
- More than 2,000 volunteers dedicated thousands of hours of service to prepare and operate the festival.