By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Meghalaya’s investment in concerts has prompted Assam to pursue a policy aimed at attracting tourists through international performances.
On Wednesday (September 17, 2025), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that American rapper and singer-songwriter Post Malone will perform in Guwahati on December 8.
“This is just the beginning, as more stars will descend on Assam in the coming days,” he said, adding that securing a date from the American star was a “big win” for Assam’s new Concert Tourism Policy.
This will be Post Malone’s second tour of India after his debut in Mumbai in 2022. His Guwahati concert will be held at the Khanapara Veterinary Ground.
“Assam is now ready to host world-class concerts and events. Post Malone’s performance in Guwahati is expected to boost cultural engagement and economic activity. Cities like Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh will become important concert hubs in the years to come,” the Chief Minister said.
Meghalaya, under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, launched its concert tourism policy in 2024, though the Opposition criticised it as wasteful expenditure.
Defending the initiative, former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh recently cited data to justify the State’s role in organising concerts and festivals.
“These events must not be seen as expenses but as investments that attract visitors, empower local talents, boost the local economy, and create resources to support other essential sectors,” he said less than a fortnight ago.
He added that Meghalaya earned ₹133.42 crore on an overall expenditure of ₹23.5 crore in 2024. “The high return on investment underlines the transformative impact of culture and tourism on the State’s economy,” he said.
