Assam emerges as major concert destination: CM Sarma

Guwahati, June 18 (IANS) Assam has witnessed a remarkable rise in its live entertainment sector, with the state emerging as a significant destination on India’s concert map, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.

Highlighting the growth of the state’s concert and live events industry, Sarma stated that Assam was largely absent from major concert calendars a few years ago but has now become a preferred venue for large‑scale music and entertainment events.

Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote: “Assam wasn’t even on most concert calendars a few years ago, look at the progress now.”

According to figures shared by Sarma, Assam hosted 55 live ticketed shows in 2025, marking a substantial increase in the state’s entertainment and events ecosystem.

He said the number of shows recorded a 222 per cent growth, while audience footfalls surged by 188 per cent during the period under review.

The Chief Minister described the development as a reflection of Assam’s growing appeal among event organisers, performers and audiences alike. “Assam is seriously rocking,” Sarma said, while sharing an infographic detailing the state’s concert industry performance.

The data released by the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that the rise in live events has been driven by improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity and increasing interest among national and international artists in performing in the northeastern state.

Industry observers believe that the growth of the concert economy could generate wider benefits for the state by boosting tourism, hospitality, transportation and local businesses. Large‑scale music events have also contributed to increased visitor inflows, particularly among younger audiences travelling from different parts of the country.

Over the past few years, Assam has hosted several high‑profile cultural and entertainment events, reflecting the government’s push to position the state as a hub for tourism, culture and investment in the Northeast.

The latest figures shared by the Chief Minister underscore the changing perception of Assam in the country’s entertainment landscape and signal the state’s growing prominence as a destination for live music and cultural experiences.

–IANS

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