A snapshot of the first Oneness Festival, August 2-8 2003

Approximately 200 people were gathered in the newly built festival campus on the outskirts of a jungle close to the small village Valerepalyam, Chittor District, Andra Pradesh approx. 90 km north of Chennai/Madras.

Participants and teachers from 5 continents arrived August 1st and in the morning of August 2nd, all people gathered were exited as the opening ceremony ignited the real start of the Oneness Festival and it was a wonderful feeling to finally be there and meet everyone.



Our Indian partner and co-organiser Golden Age Foundation facilited a traditional Indian opening ceremony and a special welcoming of the teachers gathered. The opening included traditional indian music, fire-rituals and an introductionary speach by AnandaGiri, who is heading the Golden Age Foundations' involvement in the Oneness Festival.
This was also the official opening of the World University of consciousness that is dedicated to the rediscovery, documentation and teaching of wisdoms and sciences developed by ancient cultures from around the world.







The first festival day went on with workshops on topics like Mysticism, Introduction to aboriginal wisdom, Sufism, Traditional Mexican Dance, Native american Temazcal Ceremonies and much more.

The next day started with Vedic Art and then Healing with Sound and an introduction to Tibetan Medicine by a tibetan doctor who work under the direct guidance of the Dharamsala.





The day ended with a musical performance.
Thanks to all the wonderful teachers gathered, participants had such a good time and learned so much. The perfect ending of a long day of practical and experiential workshops often ended with one or two concerts. When Pete Courtey, Ireland, shared his inspired guitar music and vocals on the open stage with the mountains in the background - then I believe many of us had goose bobs! If you get the chance to hear him live I do recommend you to do it. We hope he will come again for the next festival in February 16-22 2004.







In the evenings we also had concerts by local Indian musicians, Dance-performances and concerts with the Sufi-teacher/musician Hassan Dyck. Music, Art and Dance play a very important role in the Oneness Festival. It touches people hearts in a very direct and way.

One other very popular thing was to visit the jungle. Some people went for a 4 hour hike with a swim in the beautiful creek with crystal clear water. Others went all the way up to the waterfalls and spent 12 hours in the jungle that are known for hundreds of years as a magic place were saints and hermits have lived. Some people even went 2-3 days to the jungle!



Being the first festival, there were of course many things that was not perfect and we have much to learn for the next festival. There are so many things we can improve in terms of organisation and service for the next festival and we are committed to make the next one in February 16-22 2004 even better then the first!

The festival campus is like a real village. The houses are built in a traditional style which give the whole area a quite unique atmosphere. This unique atmosphere is difficult to explain in words, you must experience it!

Coming soon is a 15-minute video that will give you a good taste of the festival. There will also soon be a gallery of 100´s of photos at our website. Please check the website often.



You are more then welcome to contact us about the coming festival. You could also look at the Local representative section to contact someone in your country/area. You find contact information at this link: Local representatives

Make plans to attend the next festival February 16-22 2004. It will be a great experience!

Best wishes
Parlan Fritz
Oneness Festival