In brief
Attendees at major concerts in India, such as Diljit Dosanjh's recent show, are increasingly frustrated with inadequate facilities, including unsanitary toilets and severe traffic congestion. As the concert industry continues to thrive, concertgoers are calling for organizers to address these issues to ensure a better experience.
In recent months, fans attending concerts in India have expressed their outrage over the lack of proper amenities and the ensuing chaos, particularly following a high-profile event featuring Punjabi pop star Diljit Dosanjh in Chandigarh. Concert-goer Amrita Kaur was among those who expected the usual excitement that comes with massive crowds, but she was unprepared for the grim reality she encountered."Minimal crowd control and no sanitation" defined Kaur's experience as she faced overcrowded and filthy restroom facilities. The concert venue, a large government property, lacked public transport and adequate parking—forcing Kaur to navigate an exhausting and frustrating traffic jam post-performance. "You pay so much for a ticket and what do you get in return? A possible urinary infection and a bad headache with some bouts of music," she lamented.This year has been crucial for India's vibrant concert industry, attracting international acts and generating revenues of approximately 8 billion rupees ($94.1 million), with projections for a 25% increase by 2025. Reports indicate that over 400,000 young Indians traveled to other cities to partake in live events this year. However, despite the enthusiasm, complaints regarding less-than-ideal experiences have reached a peak. Tales of humiliation arose this week when a diabetic attendee claimed to have soiled himself at a Bryan Adams concert due to the lack of available restrooms. In response to these accumulating complaints, Dosanjh stated that he would reconsider performing in India until concert infrastructure improves—prompting a mix of joy and indignation from fans.Social media quickly filled with stories detailing issues such as exorbitantly priced tickets and relentless traffic congestion, leading some fans to seek concerts abroad for a more enjoyable experience. Lawyer Ishika Goon recounted her positive experience at Adele's concert in Munich, where cleanliness was maintained throughout the event.According to industry insiders like Anmol Kukreja from Skillbox, the root of these issues largely stems from a shortage of suitable venues for live music events. Unlike many Western nations, where dedicated spaces for concerts are plentiful, Indian events must often resort to malls or public lands, leading to significant logistical challenges. While stadiums can help address some logistical issues, they bring their own set of complications such as sound quality woes and overwhelming bureaucratic obstacles. Organizers often invest heavily in temporary facilities to make up for inadequate infrastructure, yet these can lead to severe financial losses.Concertgoers like Sreoshi Mukherjee have voiced their frustrations at high-profile festivals, noting issues like a lack of clean restrooms despite steep ticket prices ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 rupees ($59 to $118). However, there are broader concerns, including the accessibility of these events for disabled attendees.Organizers are aware of the persistent dissatisfaction but feel constrained by infrastructural limitations. As criticism mounts regarding inflated ticket prices and inadequate facilities, the long-term effects on the concert business remain uncertain.With internationally renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Green Day set to tour soon, fans remain hopeful that organizers will prioritize improvements in the concert experience. Yet many concertgoers, amid the chaos, still find thrill in the shared excitement of a live performance, piecing together an experience beyond the inconveniences they face. "It's like you're stuck on an island with hundreds of strangers, united by their determination to survive the night," said student Mohammad Sami, summarizing the flawed yet exhilarating nature of live concerts in India.
