Open House: Does Amritsar need large arena to hold cultural, entertainment events & concerts?

Amritsar’s cry for a majestic arena

The ethos of the holy city, 'Sifti Da Ghar' evokes the resplendent jewel of Punjab and pulses with an unquenchable thirst for cultural grandeur, where vibrant festivals, soul-stirring concerts and majestic public spectacles weave the tapestry of its eternal spirit. Yet, the city's current facilities-scattered auditoriums and modest venues-stand woefully inadequate, dwarfed by the surging tide of events that demand vast, world-class arenas to embrace multitudes in splendour.

(a) Urgent need for grandeur: A majestic mega-arena would exalt Amritsar's heritage, hosting symphonies of Bhangra, Bollywood extravaganzas and global luminaries under one celestial dome, fostering unity and economic radiance. Present halls, with limited capacities and fleeting open grounds like Ranjit Avenue, falter amid burgeoning demands from festive seasons and community galas.

(b) Path to cultural eminence: Envision a colossal coliseum, acoustically divine and technologically supreme, eclipsing makeshift spaces to immortalise Amritsar as Punjab's cultural Olympus. This visionary edifice alone can accommodate the crescendo of public functions, ensuring that every echo of tradition and innovation resounds in eternal glory.

Amardeep Singh Bains

Secretary, DLSA, Amritsar

City needs a large cultural arena

Amritsar, known for its rich heritage and vibrant cultural life, is increasingly witnessing a growing number of cultural, entertainment and public events. However, the city still lacks a large, modern arena capable of accommodating major cultural gatherings and concerts. Existing facilities are limited in capacity and infrastructure, forcing organisers to either restrict participation or shift large events to other cities. Punjab's traditional festivals such as Baisakhi, Lohri, Maghi and Teej are celebrated with great enthusiasm in the region. These occasions often include folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra, music concerts and community gatherings that attract large crowds. Cultural programmes organised by educational institutions, local artists and social organisations also need suitable venues. A well-planned cultural arena in Amritsar would not only support festivals and performances but also promote tourism, encourage young artists and strengthen Punjab's cultural identity. Such infrastructure would help the city host large-scale cultural festivals and national events, giving local talent a proper stage while preserving and celebrating the region's vibrant traditions.

Dr Astha

City has potential to become MICE centre

Amritsar has the potential of becoming a major MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination subject to the setting up of a large convention facility (3,500 to 4,000 seats, since smaller facilities already exist) with peripheral hospitality infrastructure. The CII has been advocating for the same since 2009. However, successive governments have only provided lip service to the cause, and sold off designated properties as commercial and residential spaces. This is indeed pygmy vision, as the newly visualised Convention Centre will be an economic force multiplier, earning recurrent revenues for the administration. A mega convention facility shall flag cultural, entertainment and corporate events. This is more pertinent against the backdrop of fatigued centres such as Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa and Kochi, and now, north of Yashoboomi in Dwarka, Delhi. With iconic tourist sites such as Harmandir Sahib, Ram Tirath, Attari-Wagah, Kartarpur Corridor, Gobindgarh Fort, Pul Kanjri, Harike, Kalanaur and more; with excellent logistics (rail, road and air), hospitality assets and good communication systems; and let us not forget that it is the cultural and pilgrimage capital of Punjab, Amritsar is best placed in North India to become a MICE capital as well. The precondition is that the site must have direct traffic- free access and proximity to the city logistical nodes, and have large vertical parking facilities, and ultra-modern audio-visual faculties built in.

Gunbir Singh, president, Dilbir Foundation

Multi-purpose arena required in holy city

Amritsar does require a larger, modern arena to host cultural, entertainment and concert events effectively. The existing facilities are insufficient to accommodate the increasing number of cultural and public functions, leading to overcrowding and logistical issues. An expanded venue would boost tourism, support local artists and enhance community engagement. We need to develop a multi-purpose arena with flexible seating and advanced infrastructure to handle large events. Upgrade current venues with better amenities and safety features to improve capacity. Conduct a needs assessment involving stakeholders like event organisers, local authorities and citizens. Allocate funds for construction and maintenance, prioritising sustainable design. Promote public-private partnerships to manage and operate the new facility efficiently.

Pran Aggarwal

Not large, but arena that is maintained

Amritsar is a vibrant city with people enjoying every bit of life. Live theatre, trade fair and book fair are equally attended and enjoyed. The latest literature festival reached its finale with concerts at Gobindgarh Fort. There was a crowd of flaunting folks, wanted to be seen as literary aficionados. The arena was sufficient for the so-called elite. Looking at the size of the audience, the venue was large enough. Similarly, there are many spots quite suitable to the need of the event; starting with Virsa Vihar to the ground at Ranjit Avenue. Frankly speaking, there's is no dearth of suitable spots in Amritsar, the problem lies in its proximity to the main city and well-maintained ambience.

Madhu Sharma

Dire need for infrastructure

Amritsar is a tourist hub, but it lacks the specialised, large-capacity infrastructure required for major concerts, exhibitions and public entertainment. The city needs sufficient space for cultural, educational and sports events for a growing population. The venues and places that exist in the city have less capacity for programmes. Every wealthy person wants to hold events in Amritsar city; they have need of more spaces, but the required spaces are not available. They have to take less than capacity. Most of all, the venues are inside the city, which causes traffic congestion. To decrease the traffic congestion and grow business, the administration should fulfill a dire need for infrastructure.

Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal

Ranjit Avenue site is large and vast

In order to accommodate the growing number of cultural and public functions in city, the administration has chosen Ranjit Avenue, Block-D. This is a perfect arena as it is large and vast in area too. There is sufficient parking space available as it is outside the walled city and there is no congestion. Perhaps it's the best area in whole city as it has been developed after planning. Moreover, in order to avoid traffic blockades, the ground had been chosen for any sorts of protests and dharnas, which unfortunately are still being carried out at Bhandari Bridge.

Sanjay Chawla

Modern facilities a welcome addition

Amritsar is one of Punjab's most important cultural and tourist cities, yet it lacks a large, modern arena for hosting concerts, exhibitions and large public gatherings. Most events are currently organised in small auditoriums or open grounds, which often lack proper seating, parking and security arrangements. A dedicated multipurpose arena would help the city host national and international cultural programmes, music concerts, trade fairs and sports events. It would also promote tourism and create economic opportunities for local businesses. Considering the growing population and increasing number of events in the city, a well-planned arena with modern facilities would be a welcome addition to Amritsar.

Raminder Bir Singh

Better entertainment options needed

The need for a large cultural and entertainment arena in Amritsar is becoming increasingly evident. With the city witnessing a rise in festivals, public programmes and live performances, existing venues are often inadequate in terms of space, infrastructure and crowd management. A modern arena could serve as a hub for cultural exchange, hosting Punjabi cultural festivals, youth events, exhibitions and concerts. Such a facility would not only support artists and organisers, but also provide residents with better entertainment options. If planned properly with parking, accessibility and security arrangements, a large arena could become an important cultural landmark for Amritsar.

Rupinderjit Kaur

Boost city's status as major urban centre

Amritsar attracts thousands of visitors every day due to its religious and cultural importance. However, the city still lacks a large venue capable of hosting major concerts, conventions or public events. Many programmes are either shifted to smaller halls or organised in temporary open spaces that do not provide adequate facilities. Establishing a multipurpose arena would allow the city to host international artists, cultural festivals, sports competitions and trade events. This would not only enrich the cultural life of the city but also boost tourism and local employment. A modern arena could significantly enhance Amritsar's status as a major urban centre in Punjab.

Kapil Bawa

City needs greater recognition

While Amritsar already has several banquet halls and small auditoriums, these venues are not designed for large-scale cultural or entertainment events. As the city continues to grow, the demand for bigger and better public spaces is also increasing. A well-designed arena with modern sound systems, comfortable seating and proper parking could accommodate concerts, conferences, exhibitions and community programmes. Such a facility would also encourage young artists and performers to showcase their talent. Moreover, hosting national-level events would bring greater recognition to the city and contribute to its cultural and economic development.

Guralamjit Singh

Reduce pressure on existing facilities

Developing a large arena in Amritsar could greatly improve the city's capacity to organise cultural and entertainment events. Currently, organisers struggle to find suitable venues for large gatherings, especially during festivals or major celebrations. A multipurpose indoor arena would provide a professional setting for concerts, theatre shows, sports events and exhibitions. It would also help reduce pressure on public spaces and improve crowd management. However, the project should be carefully planned with adequate parking, transport connectivity and safety measures. If implemented thoughtfully, such an arena could become a vibrant centre for cultural activities in Amritsar.

Dinesh Bhardwaj

A long-term investment

For a city of Amritsar's stature, the absence of a large cultural and entertainment arena is difficult to justify. With rising tourism and a young population eager for quality entertainment, the demand for such a venue is obvious. Currently, organisers rely on makeshift arrangements that lack proper seating, acoustics and crowd management. A modern arena could host concerts, cultural festivals, conventions and even indoor sports events. It would enhance the city's cultural life while boosting the local economy. The authorities should treat this as a long-term investment in the city's growth rather than an unnecessary luxury.

Jagdeep Singh Hundal

Gobindgarh Fort could be right choice

Gobindgarh Fort is a gem of Amritsar which can be used for cultural activities. The previous governments in state restored it but managed it very unprofessionally. This fort could be the hub and main centre of art and cultural events in city and the government should give it in right hands so that it could be managed well. Moreover, the charges should be fixed and genuine so that functions could be held there. At the moment, the company managing the fort is exploiting it and has manipulated the terms not to pay any rent to the government.

Gurinder Singh Johal

Chairman, Punjab chapter, IATO