A map of Punjab, its outline etched across the night sky by synchronised drones and the words “ Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh ” inscribed within it, flashed above the massive stage at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as the strains of Punjabi global popstar Diljit Dosanjh crooning ‘Main hoon Punjab’ from Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila filled the crisp Capital air.

Arriving amid the pyrotechnics at the centre of the elaborate stage design, framed by a towering, volcano-like structure with a giant centre glowing like molten lava, the spectacle wasn’t just about the theatre of a typical concert by the popstar. He screamed, “ Punjabi aa gaye oye ” to limbs dancing and hearts pounding, right before diving into his famed number, GOAT. Soon enough, Punjab was centrestage — with its identity, faith and history becoming a recurring motif through the evening.

This included the choice of the date of the much-talked-about opening Aura Tour concert. The concert was initially scheduled for November 1.…