Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Announces 10-City ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ India Tour; Details Inside
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the youngest disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, is set to embark on India’s largest-ever classical music tour, blending Indian classical music with mindfulness and mental wellness.
The Indian classical music scene is witnessing a resurgence, and Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the youngest and final disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, is leading the charge. The globally celebrated sitar virtuoso has announced India’s biggest-ever classical music national tour, under the newly launched Team Innovation Cultural initiative.
Titled ‘HSBC Presents Sitar For Mental Health’, this 10-city tour, produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, promises to be a transformative musical experience, blending Indian classical music with modern wellness practices. Set to take place between April and May 2025, the tour will visit major cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Indore, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.
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This immersive multi-sensory concert is aimed at audiences of all ages, offering a family-friendly yet deeply meditative experience. The show will feature new compositions alongside iconic pieces like ‘Shiv Kailash’, inspired by the tranquility of the Himalayas, and ‘Tandavam’, an electrifying exploration of rhythm and energy. Sharma’s groundbreaking approach fuses traditional Indian ragas with contemporary musical influences, creating a deeply therapeutic and emotional journey.
A Cultural Renaissance Through Music
Speaking about the cultural shift in music consumption, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma shared, “We are witnessing a fascinating cultural shift. Ancient ragas are resonating with contemporary listeners in profoundly new ways. Classical music isn’t just surviving in the digital age; it’s thriving. Young people are increasingly drawn to the transformative power of these age-old melodies, recognizing the emotional depth and resonance they offer, often absent in much of today’s music."
With a surge in classical music appreciation among millennials and Gen Z, Sharma’s Sitar for Mental Health project has gained international recognition for its role in promoting music therapy and mindfulness. Following successful concerts in the US and Canada, this India tour marks his most ambitious project to date, inviting audiences to explore the profound connection between sound and mental well-being.
The tour is presented in partnership with District by Zomato and HSBC, who have recognized the importance of music as a medium for well-being and cultural preservation.
Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of District by Zomato, emphasized, “We are thrilled to present Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s Sitar for Mental Health tour across India. This journey unites generations, blending the timeless essence of Indian classical music with the modern pursuit of well-being. Our collaboration with Team Innovation perfectly aligns with District’s mission to create meaningful connections through exceptional experiences."
Mohit Bijlani, Founder of Team Innovation Cultural, highlighted the tour’s significance in India’s musical landscape, adding, “We stand at the threshold of a transformative chapter in India’s musical history. Classical music has transcended traditional boundaries, evolving into a dynamic force within mainstream culture. This tour embodies that fusion of tradition and innovation, demonstrating the enduring power and relevance of classical music in the 21st century."
A Unique 120-Minute Performance
Each 120-minute concert will offer an immersive listening experience, where timeless ragas intersect with contemporary wellness practices. The event will incorporate sound healing techniques, creating a contemplative space that highlights the therapeutic power of Indian classical music in addressing mental health challenges in today’s fast-paced world.
Tour Schedule & Ticket Information
Pre-sale tickets for the tour will be available exclusively for HSBC Credit Card holders on February 14, 2025, at 4 PM, via the District by Zomato app. General ticket sales open on February 16, 2025, at 4 PM, with ticket prices starting at ₹1499.
Tour Dates & Cities:
New Delhi – Sunday, 6 April 2025
Mumbai – Sunday, 13 April 2025
Pune – Friday, 18 April 2025
Ahmedabad – Sunday, 20 April 2025
Bengaluru – Sunday, 27 April 2025
Jaipur – Friday, 2 May 2025
Hyderabad – Sunday, 4 May 2025
Indore – Friday, 9 May 2025
Chandigarh – Sunday, 11 May 2025
Kolkata – Sunday, 18 May 2025
About Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
A scion of the legendary Rikhi Ram musical instrument dynasty, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma began playing the sitar at the age of 10 and later became the last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar. His remarkable talent has led to historic performances, including:
White House Diwali Celebration 2022 (at President Joe Biden’s invitation)
Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony, honoring the Indian contingent
50th Anniversary of Woodstock Festival, paying tribute to his mentor Pandit Ravi Shankar
First sitarist to perform solo at Houston’s NRG Stadium before 60,000 spectators, with 500 million viewers worldwide
Recognized by the United Nations for his contributions to mental health awareness through music
As India’s biggest sitar music tour, ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ is more than just a concert—it’s a movement. By seamlessly merging Indian classical music with mindfulness, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reaffirms the timeless power of music in healing and self-discovery.
With classical music gaining mainstream appreciation, this tour will redefine how audiences connect with Indian ragas, offering a deeply spiritual and immersive journey. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, making this an unmissable event for music lovers across India.
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