8 March 2026 | 7:00 – 10:00 pm | Qutub Minar, New Delhi: Songs of the Stone, the immersive cultural series by Inkpot India, returns for its second chapter with a rare musical evening set against the timeless silhouette of Qutub Minar. Conceptualised by Simar Malhotra and presented in collaboration with HSBC Live the Legacy, the event promises to bridge heritage, music, and contemporary curation within one of Delhi’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
Rakesh Chaurasia to Transform Qutub Minar into a Living Stage
On the evening of 8 March 2026, two-time Grammy Award-winning flautist Rakesh Chaurasia and his ensemble, Rakesh and Friends, will perform at the UNESCO World Heritage monument. Known for his lyrical depth and refined technique on the bansuri, Chaurasia carries forward the legacy of his guru and uncle, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, while expanding the instrument’s global and contemporary reach. Accompanied by accomplished musicians on tabla, drums, bass, guitar, and keys, the performance will blend Hindustani classical traditions with global musical influences.
Heritage as a Living, Experiential Space
Conceived by Inkpot India and its founder Simar Malhotra, Songs of the Stone is built on the belief that monuments are not static relics but living repositories of memory and imagination. By placing music in dialogue with architecture, the series invites audiences to encounter heritage sensorially—through sound, light, atmosphere, and storytelling—rather than as passive observers.
Reframing India’s Cultural Inheritance
At its core, the series seeks to reframe India’s cultural inheritance for contemporary audiences. By bringing classical and traditional music into heritage contexts, Songs of the Stone deepens engagement for seasoned listeners while also making these forms aspirational and compelling for younger generations. The multi-sensory curation enhances awareness of both the art form and the monument itself.
A Vision Beyond Delhi’s Landmarks
While this chapter unfolds at Qutub Minar, the broader vision of Songs of the Stone extends beyond iconic landmarks. The series is designed to travel into lesser-known and overlooked heritage sites across India, restoring relevance to these spaces through thoughtful cultural programming. In doing so, it positions heritage as an evolving part of the present rather than a distant memory.
Produced in Association with Excurators Events
The event is produced in association with Excurators Events, an organisation dedicated to experiential cultural platforms that bring India’s heritage into contemporary public consciousness. Together, the collaborators aim to craft an evening that is intellectually rigorous yet emotionally resonant.
Event at a Glance
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Songs of the Stone – Chapter II |
| Date | Sunday, 8 March 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| Venue | Qutub Minar, New Delhi |
| Featuring | Rakesh Chaurasia and Ensemble (Rakesh and Friends) |
| Conceptualised By | Simar Malhotra, Inkpot India |
| Presented In Collaboration With | HSBC Live the Legacy |
| Produced With | Excurators Events |
| Tickets | Available via district.in |
Takeaway
With its second chapter at Qutub Minar, Songs of the Stone reaffirms its commitment to reimagining how India engages with its artistic and architectural legacy. On 8 March 2026, the historic monument will become a resonant stage where classical soundscapes meet centuries-old stone, offering audiences an immersive encounter with living heritage.
