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What is the story about?
Sitarist and neo-classical musician Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has announced a 10-city tour of India in 2026 under his popular ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ banner, which will showcase his unique blend of classical music and mental health awareness across the country.
The tour will be conducted in major Indian cities in mid-March and April 2026, showcasing both the rich heritage and the increasing concern for mental health through artistic expression.
Promoted and produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, the PAN-India tour will begin from Bengaluru on March 15, followed by Mumbai on March 20, Pune on March 22, Hyderabad on March 27, Jaipur on March 29, Chennai on April 3, Ahmedabad on April 5, Chandigarh on April 10, Kolkata on April 12, and finally New Delhi on April 19.
The 2026 tour is being presented by Kotak Mahindra Bank-Solitaire. It is particularly significant since it reinforces Sharma's dedication to his admirers after his 2024-2025 tour was postponed due to geopolitical tension, leading to cancellations in May 2025. Moreover, many of his performances were postponed after the terror attacks in Pahalgam last year.
Sharing the India tour announcement on Instagram, Sharma wrote, “After a journey across the world and countless heartfelt messages from home, it’s finally time to return. Sitar for Mental Health is coming back to India. A homecoming rooted in purpose, presence, and the healing resonance of the Sitar.”
“I welcome you to an evening of pause, breathing, meditation, community, excitement, and release through the power of music. Come wearing your best outfits, and let us together embrace our beautiful culture,” he added.
Sharma is the youngest and last disciple of the legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar. He is known worldwide for his neo-classical approach to the instrument, which combines ancient ragas with contemporary compositions and meditative techniques. The set list for the India tour is expected to include both new tracks, such as
The Burning Ghat,
and popular pieces, such as Shiv Kailash, Varaha Roopam, Chanakya, and Shankara.
His ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ approach aims to promote serenity, connection, and mindfulness among audiences by including contemplative pauses and guided listening portions into the performance, going beyond traditional concerts.
In a statement shared ahead of the tour, Sharma said to the Rolling Stones he was “filled with excitement to finally return home and honour the many heartfelt requests from his Indian fans.”
The upcoming tour, he said, will be an immersive event that "celebrates the healing power of the sitar while continuing to raise awareness for mental health."
"Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's work represents a rare intersection of classical excellence and contemporary relevance," said Mohit Bijlani, founder of Team Innovation.
Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of District by Zomato, praised Sharma’s work and said, “Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's Sitar for Mental Health has become one of the most distinctive touring IPs globally, redefining how audiences engage with music for self-discovery.”
Tickets for the 2026 India tour will be available exclusively on the District app. Kotak Solitaire credit card holders will get a 12-hour presale on January 30, at 12:00 pm IST. All Kotak Mahindra Bank credit card members will have a 36-hour presale on January 31, at 12 am. Sales of general tickets begin on February 1 at 2 pm.
The tour will be conducted in major Indian cities in mid-March and April 2026, showcasing both the rich heritage and the increasing concern for mental health through artistic expression.
Promoted and produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, the PAN-India tour will begin from Bengaluru on March 15, followed by Mumbai on March 20, Pune on March 22, Hyderabad on March 27, Jaipur on March 29, Chennai on April 3, Ahmedabad on April 5, Chandigarh on April 10, Kolkata on April 12, and finally New Delhi on April 19.
The 2026 tour is being presented by Kotak Mahindra Bank-Solitaire. It is particularly significant since it reinforces Sharma's dedication to his admirers after his 2024-2025 tour was postponed due to geopolitical tension, leading to cancellations in May 2025. Moreover, many of his performances were postponed after the terror attacks in Pahalgam last year.
Sharing the India tour announcement on Instagram, Sharma wrote, “After a journey across the world and countless heartfelt messages from home, it’s finally time to return. Sitar for Mental Health is coming back to India. A homecoming rooted in purpose, presence, and the healing resonance of the Sitar.”
“I welcome you to an evening of pause, breathing, meditation, community, excitement, and release through the power of music. Come wearing your best outfits, and let us together embrace our beautiful culture,” he added.
Sharma is the youngest and last disciple of the legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar. He is known worldwide for his neo-classical approach to the instrument, which combines ancient ragas with contemporary compositions and meditative techniques. The set list for the India tour is expected to include both new tracks, such as
His ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ approach aims to promote serenity, connection, and mindfulness among audiences by including contemplative pauses and guided listening portions into the performance, going beyond traditional concerts.
In a statement shared ahead of the tour, Sharma said to the Rolling Stones he was “filled with excitement to finally return home and honour the many heartfelt requests from his Indian fans.”
The upcoming tour, he said, will be an immersive event that "celebrates the healing power of the sitar while continuing to raise awareness for mental health."
"Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's work represents a rare intersection of classical excellence and contemporary relevance," said Mohit Bijlani, founder of Team Innovation.
Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of District by Zomato, praised Sharma’s work and said, “Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's Sitar for Mental Health has become one of the most distinctive touring IPs globally, redefining how audiences engage with music for self-discovery.”
Tickets for the 2026 India tour will be available exclusively on the District app. Kotak Solitaire credit card holders will get a 12-hour presale on January 30, at 12:00 pm IST. All Kotak Mahindra Bank credit card members will have a 36-hour presale on January 31, at 12 am. Sales of general tickets begin on February 1 at 2 pm.
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