The arrival of the monsoon has always meant far more than rainfall in India. It has inspired poets and painters, shaped classical ragas, filled folklore with longing and celebration, and awakened memories carried through the unmistakable scent of petrichor. Recognising this profound cultural connection, Excurators transformed the season into an immersive artistic experience with the first chapter of the second season of Baarish, held on 21 June 2026 at The Upper HSE by Tivoli. Conceived as a celebration of India’s enduring relationship with rain, the evening brought together acclaimed musicians, historians, perfumers and performers, inviting guests to experience the monsoon through sound, storytelling, fragrance and shared cultural memory.
An Evening Inspired By The Spirit Of The Monsoon
Designed as Excurators’ signature monsoon experience, Baarish encouraged audiences to slow down and reconnect with the emotions that accompany the rainy season. Rather than treating the monsoon simply as a change in weather, the carefully curated programme explored its enduring influence on India’s artistic traditions, literature, music and everyday life. Each experience revealed a different layer of the season’s emotional and cultural significance.
In a press statement, Minhal Hasan, Founder & Managing Director, Excurators, said, “Baarish was envisioned as a celebration of rain as an emotion, one that connects us to memory, music, culture, and each other. Seeing audiences come together and respond so warmly to this year’s edition reaffirmed our belief in the power of immersive cultural experiences.”
Meghdoot Opened The Evening With Classical Elegance
The celebrations began with Meghdoot, an evocative musical recital led by acclaimed flautist Atul Shankar, accompanied by Aarush Shankar on flute and Nishit Gangani on tabla. Drawing from the rich musical traditions of Banaras, the performance featured the monsoon-inspired Raag Megh, alongside Kajari and Jhula compositions that have long celebrated the romance, anticipation and beauty of the rainy season. The recital created an atmosphere that perfectly set the tone for the evening’s immersive journey.
Exploring India’s Artistic Imagination Through Rain
Guests were then invited to Rasikas of Baarish, an engaging storytelling session led by historian, author and Itihāsology founder Eric Chopra. Through miniature paintings, literary references, textiles, traditional adornments and visual culture, Chopra traced the many ways rain has influenced India’s artistic imagination across centuries. The session revealed how the monsoon has remained a constant source of inspiration, connecting generations through shared stories and cultural expression.
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Capturing The Fragrance Of Rain
Adding another sensory layer to the experience was Perfume & Petrichor: Baarish x OLFA Originals, featuring a conversation between Pallavi Bhatia and Minhal Hasan. The discussion explored the intimate relationship between fragrance, emotion and memory before unveiling Baarish, a bespoke perfume created exclusively for the event. Inspired by the unmistakable aroma of rain-soaked earth, the fragrance sought to transform one of the monsoon’s most familiar experiences into an olfactory work of art.
Midival Punditz Returned With A Spectacular Musical Finale
The evening reached its crescendo with the much-anticipated live return of Midival Punditz. Joined by celebrated artists Malini Awasthi, Kutle Khan and Pavithra Chari, the ensemble presented a captivating performance inspired by India’s many musical interpretations of the monsoon.
Blending folk traditions, Hindustani classical influences and contemporary electronic music, the collaboration created an immersive sonic landscape that resonated deeply with audiences. It served as a fitting finale to an evening dedicated to celebrating one of India’s most cherished seasons through art, culture and collective memory.
