Delhi inching towards becoming India’s ‘Creative Capital’: CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced an ambitious plan to transform the national capital into India’s ‘Creative Capital’, with over 30 major cultural and entertainment events scheduled in the next 80 days.

From global icons like Travis Scott and Akon to Indian stars AP Dhillon, Prateek Kuhad, Zakir Khan, Papon and Armaan Malik, Delhi is gearing up for a season of music, art and celebration like never before.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister said the city is now moving beyond its political identity and emerging as the country’s cultural heartbeat. “Delhi is no longer just the national capital, but is rapidly moving towards becoming India’s ‘Creative Capital’,” she said, unveiling the “Creative Capital” campaign poster alongside Tourism and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Delhi Government, the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), aims to make Delhi an event-friendly city. For the first time, the government has introduced a single window system for event permissions, logistics and security, a move designed to make organising large-scale festivals and concerts faster and more efficient.

To encourage more cultural programmes, the Chief Minister announced reduction in rental rates for major stadiums and auditoriums, including Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, National Stadium, Thyagaraj Stadium and Chhatrasal Stadium. These venues, she said, are being upgraded to international standards.

“The ‘Concert Economy’ is an important economic sector for states,” Gupta said, adding that Delhi’s share in India’s Rs 150 billion live entertainment industry is expected to reach Rs 3,000 crore in the coming years. “We are working with the motto Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi, preserving heritage while driving development.”

Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote live entertainment as a part of India’s cultural economy. “In the coming months, Travis Scott and Akon will perform in Delhi, and talks are underway to bring football legend Lionel Messi to the city in December,” Mishra revealed.

He said high rental rates and logistical hurdles earlier discouraged organisers. With the new reforms, Delhi is reclaiming its place as the cultural and entertainment capital of India. The Delhi Government also plans to develop new world-class venues capable of hosting lakhs of people for concerts and festivals. “This is just the beginning,” Mishra said. “The Delhi Government has an even bigger roadmap that will translate the Prime Minister’s vision and the Chief Minister’s farsighted plan into reality,” he said.