After Guwahati successfully hosted high-profile international concerts, the Assam government is now looking to take the concert tourism model beyond the state capital, with plans to explore a global music concert by pop superstar Shakira in Dibrugarh.
The proposal signals a strategic shift using Guwahati’s recent experience as a proof of concept to position Upper Assam as the next frontier for large-scale cultural and tourism-driven events.
Building on the success of international concerts in Guwahati, the Assam government is exploring the possibility of hosting a Shakira concert in Dibrugarh. The proposed event at Khanikar Stadium is part of a broader concert tourism strategy aimed at extending cultural and economic benefits beyond Guwahati to Upper Assam.
From Guwahati to Upper Assam: The Strategy
The state’s concert tourism push gained momentum after Guwahati hosted an international concert featuring Post Malone, which drew massive crowds and demonstrated the city’s capacity to handle global-scale entertainment events.
Officials now believe the Guwahati model can be replicated with suitable infrastructure upgrades in other parts of Assam.
Speaking in Dibrugarh on Saturday, January 31, Rituparna Baruah, BJP state general secretary and Chairman of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), confirmed that discussions are underway to bring Shakira to Assam.
Proposed Venue: Khanikar Stadium
The concert is being planned at the upcoming Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh, which is expected to have a seating capacity of around 35,000 once fully developed.
“The idea is to position Dibrugarh as a major cultural and tourism hub by hosting global music events,” Baruah said, adding that concert tourism has the potential to generate significant local economic activity.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
For Guwahati, the proposal marks an evolution of its role in Assam’s cultural economy.
Urban planners and tourism observers note that Guwahati has effectively become:
- The testing ground for international entertainment logistics
- A gateway city for global artists entering the Northeast
- A reference point for security, crowd management, and hospitality planning
By expanding concerts to Upper Assam, the state aims to decongest Guwahati-centric tourism while preserving the city’s leadership role in cultural innovation.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Officials believe that a Shakira concert, if finalised, could:
- Draw national and international visitors
- Boost hotel, transport, and local businesses
- Enhance Assam’s global cultural visibility
Such events are increasingly seen as economic catalysts, not just entertainment spectacles.
Still at Proposal Stage
Authorities have clarified that the plan is currently under discussion, and logistical, security, and commercial feasibility studies are ongoing. No dates or confirmations have been announced yet.
However, officials say Guwahati’s recent success has strengthened confidence in Assam’s ability to host global-scale concerts outside the capital.
What Happens Next
The Assam government is expected to:
- Assess infrastructure readiness in Dibrugarh
- Engage with international event promoters
- Finalise a roadmap for concert tourism expansion
Any final announcement will likely follow completion of the remaining phases of Khanikar Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Has the Shakira concert in Dibrugarh been confirmed?
No. The Assam government has said discussions are underway, but no final confirmation has been made.
Q2. Why is Assam expanding concert tourism beyond Guwahati?
After Guwahati’s successful international concerts, the state aims to promote tourism growth and cultural events across regions, including Upper Assam.
