At a time strife is rearing its head in different parts of the country, a group of people from the steel city is planning to take refuge in harmony.

People for Change, a nonprofit, will be organising Harmony Utsav from March 7 to 15 with the hope of impacting lives with optimism, hope and peace through performing and visual arts.

The nine-day fest intends to incorporate a range of activities to spread happiness in communities.

Many other nonprofits have joined hands to simultaneously organise this festival across multiple districts, including Ranchi, Gumla, Dhanbad, Bokaro, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Palamau.

Nukkad natak (street plays), dance and band performances, painting, mehendi and nail art and screening of short films and documentaries will be organised as part of the fest.

“When we think of harmony, the three words that come to our mind are peace, happiness and compassion. The country has seen enough violence and hate, especially on social media where people do not mind spitting venom against each other. The Harmony Utsav is a way to engage people in art and let them see for themselves what’s more important in life,” founder of People for Change Souvik Saha told The Telegraph.

All the activities will be organised in public places.

In East Singhbhum, the events will be held at Tetla village, La Gravitea, KMPM Vocational College, School of Hope, Gandhi Ashram and Prem Jyoti Prangan.

“Every thought that we put into the world affects it.

Think love, think peace, think harmony. India is a country of diverse culture. People of religious, racial, cultural and lingual identities live here harmoniously. Harmony is the hallmark of democracy in a country governed by the rule of law. However, various untoward incidents are affecting the harmony of this country at present,” Souvik said.

He said the festival was about community participation, inclusiveness, celebration of diversity, respect and a sense of belonging.