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Challenges Faced by Concertgoers in India: Poor Infrastructure and Rising Expectations
The recent concert by Punjabi pop sensation Diljit Dosanjh in Chandigarh has ignited widespread discontent among attendees, highlighting significant shortcomings in venue management and crowd control in India’s evolving concert landscape.
Attendee Amrita Kaur, familiar with the exuberant atmosphere typical of large Indian concerts, anticipated some chaos but was unprepared for the extent of the issues she encountered. Kaur reported that crowd management was insufficient, sanitation facilities were lacking, and mobile networks crumbled under the weight of large crowds, inducing feelings of insecurity among those present. The experience of using inadequate restroom facilities added to her frustration, as lengthy lines loomed outside unhygienic stalls.
Located on expansive government land in Chandigarh, the concert venue lacked public transport access and adequate parking. Kaur found herself navigating post-event traffic for hours after leaving her vehicle at a friend’s place nearby, a situation that only exacerbated her dissatisfaction with the event.
“You pay a premium for a ticket only to walk away with the potential for a urinary tract infection and a headache, alongside some fleeting moments of music,” Kaur lamented.
This year has been pivotal for India’s concert industry, with several high-profile international artists, including Dua Lipa and Maroon 5, drawing massive audience numbers. Upcoming performances by top acts like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran promise to continue this trend.
Concert revenues have surged, reportedly generating around 8 billion rupees (approximately $94 million) last year, with expectations for a 25% growth by 2025. A new generation of affluent Indians is actively seeking these musical experiences; over 400,000 individuals reportedly traveled to different cities within India for concerts in 2023.
Despite the growing enthusiasm for live performances, attendees frequently express disappointment regarding their experiences. Recent headlines featured a shocking incident where a man with diabetes suffered due to lack of restroom access at a Bryan Adams concert.
On the same day, Diljit Dosanjh stirred reaction from fans when he declared he would refrain from performing in India until concert infrastructure improved. He later clarified his remarks pertained to a specific venue.
The outcry has spawned a wave of complaints across social media platforms, where concertgoers have shared tales of purchasing tickets at inflated rates and enduring extensive travel delays, all while grappling with the discomfort of inadequate facilities.
Others with the financial means have opted to attend concerts in other countries, seeking a more enjoyable and secure environment. Bengaluru-based lawyer Ishika Goon noted the stark difference in standards, recalling her experience at Adele’s concert in Munich where cleanliness was meticulously maintained throughout the event.
Event organizers and promoters acknowledge these issues but cite broader infrastructural challenges that constrain their capacity to enhance concert experiences. Anmol Kukreja, co-founder of the live entertainment company Skillbox, explains that India’s lack of dedicated concert venues forces organizers to use less-than-ideal locations, perpetuating systemic issues.
Many events are held in public spaces and malls, each presenting distinct challenges; while malls may offer better facilities, they often cannot accommodate the sheer volume of attendees required for major concerts.
Currently, many live performances are staged in public stadiums to mitigate some logistical concerns. However, this brings its own complications, including suboptimal sound quality, crowd management problems, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Government-run venues may be better suited for large-scale events but navigating the complex process for securing permissions makes them less desirable for organizers.
In a bid to address facility deficiencies, many organizers routinely invest heavily in temporary structures aimed at improving the concert-going experience. This includes erecting stages, setting up sanitation facilities, and arranging parking, all of which distresses their finances significantly.
The struggle stretches beyond established artists; independent musicians frequently find themselves excluded from the concert scene simply because they cannot attract sufficient audiences to offset the costs associated with hosting events.
Despite significant investments, many high-profile festivals and concerts have disappointed fans. Sreoshi Mukherjee, a journalist from Delhi, was particularly displeased by the lack of clean restrooms at both Lollapalooza and a Backstreet Boys concert, despite ticket prices ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 rupees ($59 to $118).
Concerns grow as critics argue inflating ticket prices transforms concerts into elite events, accessible only to a privileged few, while accessibility for disabled individuals remains grossly inadequate at many venues.
As India prepares to host major artists, the overall sentiment from concertgoers remains hopeful, with many still willing to manage the inconveniences for the chance to enjoy performances by their favorite stars. However, unchecked issues may deter audiences in future.
As concert culture in India continues to evolve, shared responsibility between promoters, organizers, and venue operators is crucial for ensuring that the fundamental needs of attendees are met. Whether it’s providing sufficient restroom facilities or improved crowd management, addressing these concerns is paramount for maintaining the industry’s growth and reputation.
For concertgoers, the allure of live music still prevails despite the challenges. Student Mohammad Sami described the chaotic environment as an exhilarating experience, “It’s like being stranded on an island with thousands of others, united in our shared determination to enjoy the night.”
Source
www.bbc.com