In a major move for the global wellness and music landscape, neo-classical musician and sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has officially unveiled his highly anticipated “Sitar for Mental Health” India Tour 2026. The tour, which spans 10 major cities between March and April, represents a homecoming for the artist whose meditative performances have already captivated audiences across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
Billed as more than just a concert, the tour aims to bridge the gap between ancient Indian classical traditions and modern mental health advocacy. Following a brief postponement of his previous run due to solidarity with national events, Sharma returns with a “grand, immersive experience” designed to offer a sanctuary of peace in the noise of modern life.
Born during the pandemic as a response to his personal struggles with anxiety, Rishab’s Sitar for Mental Health (SFMH) initiative has evolved into a global phenomenon. The performance isn’t a typical sitar recital; it is a multi-sensory, immersive journey. Sharma expertly blends traditional ragas with contemporary electronic textures to induce states of deep reflection and receptivity.
Each session focuses on the concept of Deep Listening. By utilizing the resonance of the sitar alongside instruments like sound bowls and deep percussion, Sharma guides the audience through guided mindfulness moments and reflective pauses. The goal is simple yet profound: to use the auditory sensory processing of classical music as a transformational tool for emotional well-being.
The 2026 tour kicks off in the tech capital, Bengaluru, and concludes with a grand finale in the national capital, New Delhi. Fans across the country can catch the maestro on the following dates:
| City | Date |
| Bengaluru | 15 March 2026 |
| Mumbai | 20 March 2026 |
| Pune | 22 March 2026 |
| Hyderabad | 27 March 2026 |
| Jaipur | 29 March 2026 |
| Chennai | 03 April 2026 |
| Ahmedabad | 05 April 2026 |
| Chandigarh | 10 April 2026 |
| Kolkata | 12 April 2026 |
| Delhi | 19 April 2026 |
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma carries a heavy musical mantle. As a fourth-generation musician from the legendary Rikhi Ram family of luthiers, his connection to the sitar is ancestral. His father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma, was his first guru, but his path took a historic turn when he became the youngest and last disciple of Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar.
Under the legend’s tutelage, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma honed a style that is both purist in its foundation and rebellious in its presentation. Whether he is performing at the White House for a Diwali celebration or at the Woodstock 50 Reunion, he brings a youthful energy to the instrument. His “viral sitar boy” persona, often featuring intricate mehendi on his hands and contemporary fashion, has made the sitar relevant to Gen Z and millennial audiences worldwide.
The India tour promises a blend of established fan favourites and new material. Audiences can expect to hear the powerful resonances of:
- Shiv Kailash – A meditative tribute to the divine.
- The Burning Ghat – A soulful exploration of life’s transitions.
- Chanakya – A piece influenced by Veer Rasa, symbolizing victory and resilience.
- Varaha Roopam and Shankara – High-energy improvisations that showcase his classical prowess.
The tour is produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, ensuring top-tier production quality and an “experience of a lifetime” that emphasizes silence as much as it does sound.
Tickets for the tour are available exclusively via the District app. Due to the high demand for previous tours, the organizers have announced a tiered sale structure:
- Kotak Solitaire Credit Card Presale: Starts 30 January 2026 at 12:00 PM IST.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank Credit Card Presale: Starts 31 January 2026 at 12:00 AM IST.
- General Sale: Goes live on 01 February 2026 at 2:00 PM IST.
Fans are encouraged to register early, as “Sitar for Mental Health” shows are known for selling out within hours of the general sale opening.
“Music and its power to heal is truly a blessing,” Rishab stated during the announcement. “This homecoming will be grand, immersive, and an experience of a lifetime. I welcome you to an evening of pause, breathing, and community.”
As India continues to navigate a growing awareness of mental health, Sharma’s tour stands as a pivotal cultural moment, proving that the solution to modern stress might just lie in the timeless strings of the sitar.
