The 'Sitar for Mental Health' Experience
A guided auditory journey blending pranayama, ancient raga, and immersive sound therapy to settle the mind and find peace.
Here are some testimonials from attendees at my New York show. Hearing how the music provides a meditative and soulful experience is the reason I started 'Sitar for Mental Health.'
My performance at the historic Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles. This simple, intimate setup is designed to help the audience feel grounded and present, allowing the music to have a deeper impact.
Leading the audience in a moment of shared breath and intention in Ahmedabad. These concerts are interactive; it's not just about you listening to me, but about us creating a collective energy of peace and mindfulness together.
The beautiful architecture of All Souls NYC, bathed in blue light for our 'Sitar for Mental Health' gathering. The venue is a crucial part of the experience, and this historic church provided a serene and sacred-feeling space for our musical meditation.
A one-minute meditation for you, featuring the soothing sounds of Raga Bihaag. The sitar's vibrations are a powerful tool for mindfulness, helping to ground you in the present moment. Close your eyes and breathe with the music.
A look back at the magic from my New York show, where over 600 people gathered to meditate and connect. This is the homecoming of the initiative, right where it all started, and it shows the power of community in our mental wellness journey.
A solo moment on stage, surrounded by candles. This setup is central to the 'Sitar for Mental Health' experience, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and focus, no matter the size of the venue.
Guiding the audience through a meditation in Ahmedabad. My goal is to create a comfortable space where everyone feels they can participate, reflect, and find a moment of peace in their busy lives.
A view from the chandeliers at All Souls NYC. This was a special night celebrating my 25th birthday with over 550 attendees, blending meditative ragas with my original compositions.
A look at the sold-out crowd at my New York show. It's amazing to see so many people from different walks of life coming together to experience the healing power of traditional Indian music.
About The 'Sitar for Mental Health' Experience
We don't just start with music. Every 90-minute session begins with 15 minutes of guided breathwork and Om chanting to align the room's energy before the sitar even takes over. It’s about creating a safe space to breathe, whether we’re in a candle-lit hall in Chandigarh or a packed venue in NYC, so you leave feeling grounded rather than just entertained.
The Sitar for Mental Health isn't a typical concert. It’s a space where we use sound as medicine to navigate the mad rush of modern life. I’ve structured this experience to honor my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, by keeping the tradition alive, but also by making it feel like a collective exhale for the audience.
What we do:
- Breathwork (15 Mins): We start with pranayama and Om chanting. This is non-negotiable—it sets the tone for the entire room.
- Classical Recital (30 Mins): This is where I go deep into the Ragas. I use a custom-crafted Rikhi Ram Sitar or Red Zitar to explore the slower, meditative textures like Alaap, Jod, and Jhaala. Sometimes, I bring out the Surbahar—the 'bass sitar'—for a sound that hits differently.
- Sound Bath (15 Mins): We layer in sound therapy. I use backing tracks and loops via a laptop interface to create an immersive, surround-sound wash that helps you detach from the noise outside.
- Interaction (30 Mins): We talk. It's crucial that we break the stigma around mental health, so we do a Sawaal-Jawaab (Q&A) or community discussion.
My father, master luthier Sanjay Rikhiram, has spent years refining the instruments I play, so the sound quality isn't just loud—it's pure. We integrate visual loops like mandalas and nature scenes to support the meditation, keeping the vibe grounded yet elevated. Whether it's for a corporate wellness gathering or a private session, we’re here to shift the energy. No L's, only W's—let’s heal together. 🔱
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
Music is my medicine, and I’m just grateful to be the vessel sharing it. My sitar isn't just an instrument; it's a bridge to inner peace, crafted by my father's hands and blessed by my Guru’s wisdom. I created this because we all need a place to reset, breathe, and just be.
Looking for a different musical vibe?
You can explore other performance styles or thematic clusters.
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