‘Music is helping reimagine Delhi's heritage and culture of the havelis'

Time of India

24-04-2025

A 2023 study suggests that the newer generations are willing to spend on experiences over material things, and there has been a boom in experiential consumption
As you walk into a haveli, it's hard not to be awestruck by its old-world charm. The intricately carved aalas and taaks evoke nostalgia, while the expanse of the courtyard and high ceilings stir the imagination. But it's the ghungroo, tabla, and soft ambient sounds that brings the space to life. Today, curators and artistes are reimagining these historic havens, turning them into vibrant sanctuaries for music and culture.
'Havelis offer spaces for new forms music'
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'Thumris and ghazals were born and popularised in the mehfils held in these havelis,' says Sharad Joshi, musician and co-founder of
Music in the Haveli
. He adds, 'We are reimagining the cultural heritage of havelis – which were once spaces for creative innovation and nurtured new forms arts.' Co-founder Shruti Sinha, adds, 'We are using the havelis to do the exact same thing: provide a space for new forms of local, global and blended music to be created and performed. The idea is to reanimate the haveli to be as alive as it used to be once upon a time instead of a static, unused space.'
Such spaces are always interesting to perform at. As people enter the haveli, they are already open to discover something new. So, when I perform my music in a haveli set-up, I can feel that my audience is really 'listening'
Musician Abhishek Sekhri, who goes by the moniker Goya
'Provide a sense of grandeur'
'We are not reviving but creating a culture of intimate mehfils,' says Abu Sufiyan, founder of
Tales of City
, who recently curated Jahaanuma Mehfil in a 170-year-old haveli Qaiser Manzil in Kucha Chelan. He adds, 'The thought behind creating an experience in a living haveli, inhabited by the Bakht family, is to celebrate the shared heritage and the tehzeeb of Shahjahanabad.'
A glimpse from Jahaanuma Mehfil, held at Kucha Chelan's Qaiser Manzil
Vidyun Goel, director of Haveli Dharampura, says, "Immersive experiences involving music and dance at havelis is opening up our heritage to the entire world. Along with Indian performing arts, dinners, kite-flying and haveli walkthrough sessions, every aspect of Purani Dilli culture is celebrated. The idea is to transport people back in time, and the wholesome experience helps promoting musical traditions as well. The haveli is like a stage for the performers.'
'The haveli is like a stage for the performers' (Pic: @havelidharampura)
Ashna Khanna, from
Kathika Cultural Centre
and Museum, says, 'At restored havelis in Imli Mohalla, music is not just an event but a journey into the heart of heritage. Musicians often tell us that performing here feels like stepping back into a time when music was shared in baithaks and havelis. The courtyard setting, with its graceful archways, traditional colonnades and graceful overhanging chhajjas, creates a natural acoustic chamber that enhances sound and lends a sense of grandeur.'
Performing in a living haveli was a different experience. Sharing personal space with the community, opening it up for a mehfil is a great contribution to preserving heritage
Shaheen Salmani, who sang ghazals like Ranjish Hi Sahi, Hothon Se Chhu Lo Tum, Salona Sa Sajan Hai Aur Main Hun at Qaiser Manzil
Sharad, adds, 'We find that people are connected to their creative side when they are in a haveli or a heritage space. A musical performance in such a space and in such a state of mind of the audience only elevates their experience.'
'Kathika offers that rare blend of aesthetic, heritage and community that allows both traditional and contemporary music to thrive in harmony' (Pics: @kathikaolddelhi)
'Travellers want at least one highlight experience during trips'
Meera Ali, co-curator of Jahaan-e-Khusrau, says, 'Today's travellers often seek at least one meaningful highlight in their trips – especially one tied to heritage or culture. They are eager to know more about their culture and heritage, often feeling they have missed out on these experiences growing up as most families have spent time travelling abroad. Now people prefer short trips to destinations within India (like Lucknow, Neemrana, Udaipur, Jaipur) mainly for the experience of heritage and if that is linked with music, it becomes more attractive.'
Abhishek Sekhri urf Goya played his tracks like Dilli, Mad Scientist and Naad at Kathika recently, as a part of Music in the Haveli project (Pic: Kaatayaayni Pandey)
'As these experiences become popular, interest will grow among those who appreciate heritage and art,' says Sunetra Ghose, who recently attended Goya's music event in a restored haveli in Sita Ram Bazar. The tickets of such experiences start from Rs 2,500 and can go upto Rs 10,000, depending on the space and the artiste