The best exhibitions in art, theatre, and music that you should bookmark this September

Whether you’re in Mumbai or New Delhi, don’t miss out on the artistic energy. From avant-garde art exhibitions and thoughtful theatre productions to soulful musical performances, the month of September promises a dynamic calendar for the culturally curious.

Mumbai 

Anupama Mehta Contemporary Art

What: Six women artists showcase their work, reflecting contemporary textile-based practices. The exhibition explores the dynamic possibilities of textile-based art practice. The river, a symbol of life’s journey, personal growth, memory, transformation, and hybridity, could be read as a metaphor for the creative and artistic impulse pulsing through an artist’s work. Merging into the sea, it becomes part of the larger universal truths. The exhibition is an invitation to reflect on the impulse pulsing through individual artists' practices, even as it shifts the focus onto textile art as a medium.

Where: Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art, Colaba, Mumbai 

When: Viewing open till September 11 

India Design ID

What: India Design ID comes together for its second edition, bringing together the stalwarts of design, decor and architecture. Attend for special exhibits, immersive installations, and curated experiences that offer a glimpse into the future of design. 

Where: Jio World Gardens, BKC  

When: Viewing from September 26-28 

Karn 

What: Set against the vast moral terrain of the Indian epic Mahabharata, this poignant retelling centres on Karn, a figure often relegated to the margins, yet whose life embodies the quiet power of survival, compassion, and sacrifice. Written and directed by Kulvindar Bakshish Singh, the play unearths Karn's emotional and ethical struggles. Performed by three female actors who take on multiple roles, the production weaves together narrative theatre with indigenous performance traditions, including Mayurbhanj Chau, Kalaripayattu, and the martial art of Thang-Ta from Manipur.

Where: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre   

When: September 4  

RamTa 

What: Led by two of India’s leading percussionists, Bickram Ghosh and Taufiq Qureshi, this programme will blend classical, folk, and contemporary Indian styles. At its core is a seamless exchange of Bickram’s intricate tabla with Taufiq’s distinctive adaptation of the African djembe within Indian rhythmic structures. Together, they layer in breath and body percussion, handsonic, and drum kit to create a genre-fluid, richly textured experience.

Where: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre   

When: September 13 

Rehwa 

What: Did you know that the renowned Maheshwari Saree was born in the 18th century under the vision of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar? She invited master weavers from Surat and Malwa to create a saree that was lightweight, elegant, and royal enough to gift visiting dignitaries. The first designs were inspired by the carvings of Maheshwar Fort and temples. This year marks the 300th birth anniversary of the queen. To commemorate her anniversary and celebrate her tradition, the Rehwa Society offers a special viewing of a collection of 15 Maheshwari saris.  

Where: 47-A Galley in Khotachiwadi, Girgaum   

When: September 19-28

New Delhi 

What: Sair-e-Dilli: Chronicles of Change is an exhibition curated by historian Swapna Liddle, presenting a collection of paintings, prints, photographs, maps and plans that collectively tell a nuanced story of Delhi. it explores the built forms and structures of the city—from the Sultanate and Mughal periods to Lutyens’ Delhi—through the eyes of travellers and connoisseurs, offering a glimpse into how artists framed the city in the modern era.

Where: Bikaner House, New Delhi  

When: Viewing from September 7-15 

Objects may appear softer 

What: This showcase brings together over 21 Indian women artists whose diverse practices span generations, geographies, and mediums—from painting, sculpture, and installation to digital and mixed media. It's a celebration of the dynamic and transformative role of women in shaping India’s modern and contemporary art landscape. 

Where: Black Cube Gallery, Hauz Khas   

When: Viewing from September 7-15 

Lead image: Black Cube Gallery 

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