Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Announces 10-City India Tour For ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ In 2026

Neo-classical sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is set to return to Indian stages with a 10-city tour in 2026 as part of the Asia leg of his globally acclaimed Sitar For Mental Health tour. The India run, scheduled between March and April 2026, will travel across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata and New Delhi.

Promoted and produced by Team Innovation in association with District by Zomato, the pan-India tour arrives at a moment when classical and neo-classical music is witnessing a renewed resonance among millennials and Gen Z audiences. Increasingly, young listeners are turning to music not just for entertainment, but for its therapeutic and meditative value,an ethos that sits at the heart of Sharma’s touring concept.

Widely regarded as one of the most compelling modern voices of the sitar generation, Sharma’s Sitar For Mental Health series has earned international recognition across the United States, Canada, Europe and the UK. The project has been lauded for opening up conversations around mental well-being through sound, positioning Indian classical music as a tool for emotional reflection and healing.

The upcoming India tour also holds special significance for Sharma and his audience, following the postponement of his earlier India plans due to geopolitical tensions. The 2026 homecoming marks a renewed commitment to Indian fans and is expected to be a major cultural highlight on the country’s live music calendar.

The youngest and last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, Sharma is widely seen as a torchbearer of the sitar for a new generation. His work bridges centuries-old classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities, blending Indian ragas with modern textures and improvisational elements. Each Sitar For Mental Health concert is designed as a multi-sensory experience, combining classical frameworks, cross-genre soundscapes and guided mindfulness moments.

Audiences can expect a carefully curated setlist featuring new compositions alongside signature works such as Shiv Kailash, Chanakya, Tandavam, The Burning Ghat, Varaha Roopam and Shankara.

Speaking about the tour, Sharma said, “Music and its power to heal is truly a blessing, and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to share this gift with the world. While postponing the India tour earlier was a difficult decision, it was made with purpose. After performing to sold-out audiences across the globe, I’m excited to finally return home and honour the many heartfelt requests from my Indian fans. This homecoming will be immersive, meaningful and centred around the healing power of the sitar.”

Mohit Bijlani, Founder of Team Innovation, described Sharma’s work as a rare blend of classical excellence and contemporary relevance. “The global response to Sitar For Mental Health has been extraordinary, and we’re proud to bring this powerful experience to audiences across India as part of the Asia Tour 2026,” he said.

Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of District by Zomato, highlighted the tour’s cultural impact. “Sitar For Mental Health has emerged as one of the most distinctive touring IPs globally, redefining how audiences engage with music for self-discovery. It goes beyond entertainment to create genuine impact on well-being, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we aim to amplify,” he noted.

Ahead of the India leg, Sharma is also set to achieve major international milestones with his Singapore debut at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, followed by his first-ever performance in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena, further cementing his growing global footprint.

Tickets for the Kotak Solitaire presents Sitar For Mental Health India Tour 2026 will be available exclusively on the District app. Early access for Kotak Mahindra Bank credit card holders begins on January 31, 2026, followed by general ticket sales starting February 1, 2026.

Tour Schedule:

• March 15 – Bengaluru
• March 20 – Mumbai
• March 22 – Pune
• March 27 – Hyderabad
• March 29 – Jaipur
• April 3 – Chennai
• April 5 – Ahmedabad
• April 10 – Chandigarh
• April 12 – Kolkata
• April 19 – New Delhi