For centuries, India’s nine Rasas have served as a language for expressing the complexity of human emotion through classical music, dance and storytelling. Now, Fabelle is bringing this philosophy to an unexpected medium: chocolate. In collaboration with ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA), the luxury chocolate brand has unveiled its Nav-Ras Collection, a multisensory exploration of emotion through nine handcrafted pralines and nine original musical compositions.
The collection moves beyond conventional chocolate-making, approaching each creation as an expression of a particular feeling. Through flavour, texture, ingredients and sculptural forms, Fabelle’s Master Chocolatiers interpret the Navarasa, while musicians from ITC Sangeet Research Academy translate the same emotions into melody, rhythm and instrumentation. A QR code inside the box allows consumers to access the corresponding musical compositions, bringing the two art forms together.
Nine Rasas, Nine Expressions Of Chocolate
Each praline in the Nav-Ras Collection has been designed to evoke a distinct emotion. Shringara, representing love and connection, takes the form of a heart-shaped creation combining Ruby Chocolate and Aqua Rose. Hasya, inspired by laughter and delight, pairs warm toffee and banoffee pie flavours in a gift-shaped chocolate, capturing the pleasure of spontaneous joy and sharing.
Karuna, the Rasa of compassion, draws on fragrant jasmine and roasted cashews, presented in a petal-inspired form. At the other end of the emotional spectrum, Raudra explores intensity through dark chocolate, ancho chilli and candied mango, balancing bitterness, heat and sweetness. Veera, representing courage and inner strength, combines 70 per cent dark chocolate with buttery macadamia.
The remaining creations explore anticipation, the unexpected, wonder and serenity. Bhayanaka brings together dark chocolate, coffee and cinnamon in a spiral-shaped praline. Bibhatsa challenges familiar flavour conventions with pumpkin spice and dark chocolate, while Adbhuta takes the form of a diamond-shaped dark chocolate creation. Shanta, inspired by peace and inner harmony, combines acacia honey and dark chocolate mousse in a white rose-inspired form.
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Where Indian Classical Music Meets Fine Chocolate
The collaboration places Indian classical music at the heart of the experience. The compositions draw on ragas to convey the emotional character of each Rasa, from the uplifting energy of Raga Hamsadhwani for Hasya to the serene quality of Raga Yaman for Shanta. Other interpretations include Raga Adana for courage and Raga Shree for intensity.
The collection was unveiled at ITC Grand Central in Mumbai during an immersive evening featuring live performances by artists from ITC Sangeet Research Academy. The event was attended by maestros Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, alongside Saradindu Dutta, Executive Director of ITC Sangeet Research Academy.
A New Interpretation Of Luxury Chocolate
For Fabelle, the Nav-Ras Collection extends the idea of luxury chocolate beyond indulgence into craftsmanship, creativity and storytelling. It builds on the brand’s earlier innovations, including Trinity Truffles Extraordinaire and Fabelle Finesse.
