Shillong has witnessed an extraordinary 213% increase in live entertainment consumption in 2025, placing the hill city among the fastest-growing cultural destinations in India—on par with major metropolitan centres. The data, released by BookMyShow, reflects how quickly Northeast India is reshaping the country’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

A Regional Cultural Upswing

Shillong’s rapid ascent corresponds with a wider surge in live entertainment across the Northeast. Cities such as Guwahati and other urban centres in Assam have seen sharp rises in concert footfall, theatre attendance, and participation in cultural events throughout the year.

This growth aligns closely with Assam Tourism’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding entertainment infrastructure, enabling partnerships with national and international performers, and positioning the region as a premier destination for large-scale events.

A Shift in India’s Entertainment Geography

India’s largest entertainment ticketing and streaming platform, BookMyShow, highlighted that these trends signal a maturing entertainment ecosystem nationwide. As 2025 draws to a close, both Shillong and Guwahati have emerged as standout cities—not merely keeping pace with national cultural trends, but actively redefining them.

The data suggests that India’s cultural landscape is broadening beyond its traditional urban hubs, with the Northeast becoming a vibrant centre for music, arts, and live experiences.