In brief
Concerns over sanitation, crowd management, and accessibility at major concerts in India are growing, sparking backlash from fans who are fed up with high ticket prices that come with poor experiences. Public dissatisfaction culminated in a call from artist Diljit Dosanjh for improvements before he performs in the country again.
Concerts featuring popular artists are transforming the music scene in India, but a concerning trend is emerging as fans express frustrations over the lack of adequate facilities. Attendees of a recent concert by Punjabi pop star Diljit Dosanjh in Chandigarh have shared alarming accounts of poor sanitation, insufficient crowd control, and problematic traffic conditions, igniting a conversation about the future of live events in the country.Amrita Kaur, a concert attendee, described her experience as disheartening. While she expected the usual chaos accompanying large gatherings, the absence of safe sanitation options and overwhelmed mobile networks left her feeling unsafe, especially when navigating long queues for unusable restrooms. “You pay so much for a ticket and what do you get? A possible urinary infection and a headache with some music,” Kaur lamented.This year's flourishing concert industry in India includes major events by international stars like Dua Lipa and Maroon 5. Revenue from music concerts reached approximately 8 billion rupees ($94.1 million) last year, with predictions of a 25% increase by 2025. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm for attending concerts is tempered by poor experiences reported by many fans, such as a diabetic man’s unfortunate incident at a Bryan Adams concert due to a lack of washroom facilities.Diljit Dosanjh's remarks on not returning to perform until venues are improved resonated with fans. "We want the thrill of the concert, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of basic hygiene and comfort," said concertgoer Ishika Goon, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many.While organizers acknowledge the challenges posed by limited venue options in India, they are often left to manage substandard locations that may not provide adequate infrastructure for large crowds. Anmol Kukreja from Skillbox emphasized that this lack of dedicated concert venues results in frustrating compromises that affect both performers and attendees.Efforts to improve the situation are hindered by obstacles such as a complex booking process for government venues, which can discourage organizers from using them. This has led to subpar conditions, forcing organizers to spend significant amounts on temporary toilets and facilities—expenses that cut into their profits and disincentivize smaller acts from entering the scene.Despite increasing ticket prices, concerns are mounting over the enjoyment of the concert experience. Journalists and concert enthusiasts alike are frustrated by inadequate restroom facilities at major events, with reports of long wait times and supplies running out at even the most anticipated festivals.Furthermore, accessibility remains a critical issue, with many venues failing to accommodate individuals with disabilities, raising questions about inclusivity within the burgeoning industry.As India prepares to welcome more international acts such as Ed Sheeran and Green Day, the hope remains that lessons will be learned and significant improvements will address the current dissatisfaction among concertgoers. The relationship between concert experiences and high ticket prices will be under scrutiny, and the responsibility to enhance these events may fall on both organizers and venue owners alike, fostering a better environment for all fans involved.
