Event Development Cell – The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has set up a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to facilitate the expansion of the “concert economy”, promoting employment and tourism in the country. India’s live events industry is witnessing rapid expansion and emerging as a major contributor to the media and entertainment ecosystem, an official said.

The organized live events market was valued at ₹20,861 crore in 2024, registering a growth rate of 15%, leaving behind many traditional media sectors. As per government estimates, with an expected CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 18%, the sector is set to position India among the leading global live entertainment destinations by 2030. In his address at the Waves Summit in May 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the vast untapped potential of India’s live entertainment sector, underscoring its role as a key driver of employment, investment, tourism and India’s cultural and global influence.

Formed in July 2025 under the direction of Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the LEDC acts as a single-window facilitation mechanism for the sector. It brings together representatives of the Central and State Governments, industry associations, music rights societies and major event companies.

The live events sector currently supports an estimated more than 10 million jobs across the value chain. A large format live event creates over 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

According to the BookMyShow report covering the period January-November 2025, tier 2 and tier 3 cities are rapidly emerging as cultural and entertainment hubs. Cities in the North-East region recorded significant growth in live entertainment viewership, with Shillong growing by 213%, Guwahati by 188% and Kokrajhar by 143%.

Records show that Visakhapatnam recorded the highest increase of 490%, followed by Vadodara at 230%. A 17% increase in consumption of live entertainment across concerts, sports and theater was also noted.

More than five lakh people traveled to other cities to attend live events, marking an 18% increase over the previous year. Attendance at theater programs increased by 45%, reflecting renewed public engagement with diverse live cultural experiences.