GUWAHATI: Following the successful model pioneered by its neighbor Meghalaya, Assam is set to embrace a dynamic new strategy to invigorate its tourism sector: international concert events. The state has just unveiled a pioneering Concert Tourism Policy, designed to attract global musical talent and a wider audience.
In an exciting announcement made on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that renowned American rapper and singer-songwriter Post Malone will be headlining a major concert in Guwahati on December 8th.
“This is merely the inaugural act,” stated Chief Minister Sarma, hinting at a future filled with more international stars gracing Assam’s stages. He emphasized that securing Post Malone’s performance is a significant triumph for Assam’s newly introduced Concert Tourism Policy, signaling its immediate impact.
This upcoming event marks Post Malone’s second visit to India, following his highly anticipated debut in Mumbai in 2022. The Guwahati concert promises to be a spectacular affair, taking place at the spacious Khanapara Veterinary Ground.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to host world-class events. He believes that Post Malone’s concert will not only foster greater cultural interaction but also significantly stimulate economic growth. Looking ahead, he envisioned Guwahati, along with Jorhat and Dibrugarh, evolving into pivotal concert destinations in the years to come.
The inspiration for Assam’s new policy stems from Meghalaya’s innovative approach, which launched its own concert tourism initiative in 2024 under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Despite initial criticism from the Opposition, who labeled it as an unnecessary expense, Meghalaya’s strategy has proven remarkably successful.
Just two weeks prior, former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh vigorously defended Meghalaya’s concert and festival initiatives. He presented compelling data, arguing that these events should be viewed as strategic investments rather than mere expenditures.
Lyngdoh highlighted that in 2024, Meghalaya generated an impressive ₹133.42 crore against an overall investment of ₹23.5 crore. “Such a high return on investment unequivocally demonstrates the transformative power of culture and tourism on our state’s economy,” he concluded, reinforcing the positive impact of their policy.