Cinema VinesRicky Kej, the three‑time Grammy‑winning composer and environmental advocate, has announced a sweeping arena tour across India that he calls DAMROOH – Dance To The Cosmic Spirit. The tour will run from October to December 2026 and will feature large‑scale, fully seated symphonic shows in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. The performances will combine orchestral music, electronic elements, Indian folk tunes, and traditional sounds, all wrapped in an immersive visual and technological production that Kej says is designed to feel like a “fully seated symphonic experience.”
In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Kej explained that the tour’s centerpiece is the damru, a small drum closely associated with Lord Shiva and ancient Indian spirituality. He says the instrument’s “first sound of creation” and its link to the five elements of nature make it a perfect symbol for his long‑standing environmental themes. “For me, most of my music over the last decade has been about the environment, sustainability and positive social impact,” Kej told the paper. “The damru is also associated with Lord Shiva, who is considered the protector of the five elements of nature and the embodiment of coexistence.”
Beyond the spiritual and ecological motifs, Kej is using the tour to challenge how Asian music is represented at the Grammys. He believes that Asian artists deserve more than regional categories and wants to elevate traditional Indian music on a global stage. The tour, which is also a support event for UNICEF, aims to rethink the live concert experience for traditional musicians by incorporating precision, technology, and a larger ensemble than a typical orchestral concert.
With DAMROOH, Kej is not only offering a musical spectacle but also a statement about cultural identity and environmental stewardship. By merging ancient Indian instruments with contemporary soundscapes and cutting‑edge visuals, he hopes to create a new template for live performances that honor both tradition and modernity.
