A Night of Discovery

The first edition, titled Verge, is a journey at the edge of discovery and rediscovery – a multi-sensory, deeply intentional evening that weaved together India’s past, present, and future through layered cultural experiences.

Key highlights from the on-ground experiential evening included:
A Sound Ritual opened the night – an affair that invites the audience to slow down and tune into the moment. It creates a quiet space to listen, feel, and begin the journey. The soft, resonant chime of ghungroos echoed with something timeless and deeply Indian. As she stepped into the light, the artist guided the audience to follow her through three gentle movements, each marked by a distinct rhythm, inviting stillness, presence, and reflection.

Raw, unscripted conversations led by Shoba Narayan, (author Bird Podcast), Shilpa Sharma, (founder of Jaypore, Mustard), Manu Chandra (Chef, Restaurateur), and Akshika offering personal meditations on identity, legacy, and the fine line between tradition and embracing change.

A bespoke culinary experience by celebrated chef Manu Chandra, where every course paired with the journey of the performing artists, telling stories through taste, memory, and craft.

Soulful performances that stirred emotions and evoked connections:
○ Adnan Manzoor’s evocative music bridging classical and contemporary soundscapes.

○ A Dastangoi performance by Himanshu Bajpai, reviving the lost art of Urdu oral storytelling.

○ A music set by The Ahaavan Project exploring the uncharted borderlands between the human and the divine. Ahaavan revives this spirit, offering an immersive experience of devotion, rebellion, and raw emotion.

“RareFore is for the creators who choose to stay with their craft, even when no one is watching,” said Akshika Poddar, Founder, RareFore. “With Verge, we have created a space for them, and for audiences who seek something deeper, slower, and more soulful. RareFore is not just an event – it’s a night of discovery where every corner holds a meaning, every detail matters, and every sound is curated for those who have a taste for the extraordinary. And this is just the beginning.”

Adding to this, Manish Kumar Poddar, co-founder of The House of Rare, shared, “While RareFore is Akshika’s vision, I’ve had the privilege and joy of watching it take shape. Together, we have always believed in spotlighting India’s cultural depth – and RareFore is a natural extension of that ethos, while bringing it to life. It nurtures the unseen and makes our heritage feel both fresh and timeless.”

As The House of Rare celebrates 10 years, RareFore is a heartfelt ode to those who supported the brand along the way. This platform is an expression of gratitude and continued commitment to art and culture. Looking ahead, RareFore will continue as a cultural series – carrying forward stories and soulful experiences from across the country – one edition at a time. With each edition, it will welcome more voices, more textures, and moments of awe.