Delhi witnessed an immersive craft festival and an outstanding musical performance by Niladri Kumar; next stops include other cities across India.
NEW DELHI, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural edition of Durbar Evenings by Godawan Estuary Water from DIAGEO India took place in Delhi with tremendous success, bringing together a diverse audience of craft connoisseurs, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts under one roof. Crafted to be a travelling cultural experience, the evening delivered on its promise, where music, storytelling, and mindful indulgence converged to create an immersive celebration of India’s artistic legacy.
Building on the legacy of Durbar 2024 in Rajasthan, the evening emphasised Godawan’s ongoing and evolving cultural vision, taking the heart and soul of the desert to urban India. The evening served as a platform to raise the country’s cultural understanding by uniting enthusiasts from across creative disciplines. The music was deeply emotive, and the night highlighted the spirit of craftsmanship and conservation through art installations inspired by the Great Indian Bustard. With limited seating, the event brought together a conscious community, providing a platform for the work of local artisans, keeping mindful luxury at its core.
Headlined by acclaimed sitar virtuoso Niladri Kumar, his fascinating performance set the tone for an evening rooted in tradition yet open to reinvention. He is known for his fusion style, which captivated the audience, blending classical Indian ragas with global sonic influences. Performing on his pioneering invention—the zitar, an electric sitar—he brought an experimental edge to the night, bridging generations and genres effortlessly.
From the music and decor to the food and drinks, the guests enjoyed a curated culinary experience celebrating Rajasthan’s traditions. They savoured crafted pours of Godawan Artisanal Single Malt and bespoke cocktails, alongside a regionally inspired tasting menu by Chef Anahita Dhondy, which celebrated seasonal ingredients. Overall, the venue echoed the brand’s core values of conservation, community, and craft, creating a holistic experience that was as immersive as it was intentional.
Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, said, “We are extremely thrilled that the debut of Durbar Evenings has been a great success. The ethos of the evening was to celebrate all things craft and mindful luxury, while tying in cultural elements of Rajasthan. We are excited to take this to the next level and bring it to other cities across India very soon.”
Following this, the event is set out to make its mark across other cities in India, aiming to replicate the cultural and ecological heritage of the desert landscape. With the annual Durbar experience by Godawan Estuary Water returning to Rajasthan later this year, Durbar Evenings offer small glimpses into the ultimate experience of music, design, and storytelling in December.
For more information, visit the @godawandurbar page.
About Diageo India
Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL).
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 36 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda.
For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.
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