District by Zomato, the popular going-out vertical of the foodtech platform, has set the stage for a major transformation in India’s urban cultural scene with the announcement of a long-term strategic partnership with HSBC India. This collaboration, revealed on August 19, 2025, marks HSBC as the exclusive banking partner for District’s extensive lineup of cultural events, including music concerts, immersive dining experiences, stand-up comedy shows, and a variety of lifestyle gatherings. It’s a move that aims to redefine how India’s urban residents connect with their cities, making cultural outings more accessible, aspirational, and financially feasible.
India’s going-out segment is experiencing a surge like never before. According to both District by Zomato and HSBC India, the growth is driven by several key factors: a swelling urban population, an increasing number of first-time concert-goers, and a growing hunger for diverse, enriching experiences. The country’s entertainment and lifestyle landscape is shifting, with more people actively seeking new ways to spend their leisure time, moving beyond traditional routines and embracing the vibrant pulse of city life.
Rahul Ganjoo, CEO of District by Zomato, captured the spirit of this shift, saying, “India's 'going out' culture is rapidly evolving, reflecting a growing desire for richer urban experiences. At District, we're dedicated to being the essential gateway to this dynamic landscape, providing access to the full spectrum of cultural moments. Our strategic partnership with HSBC is a key collaboration that amplifies this commitment, allowing us to collaboratively empower more individuals to immerse themselves in the pulse of their cities fully.”
HSBC India’s involvement goes far beyond just a branding exercise. Jaswinder Sodhi, Head of Customers, Marketing & Digital, International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, explained the ethos behind the partnership: “We believe in creating meaningful connections that enrich lives and empower aspirations. Our partnership reflects this vision, as we bring together the best of banking and culture to redefine how India experiences its vibrant urban landscapes. By unlocking exclusive access, savings, and opportunities, we aim to make every moment more memorable and every experience more accessible for our customers.”
The nuts and bolts of the partnership are straightforward but impactful. For HSBC debit and credit cardholders, the collaboration unlocks a suite of benefits designed to put them at the heart of India’s most exciting cultural happenings. Cardholders will be granted early and exclusive RSVPs as well as presale codes, ensuring priority entry to in-demand events and sought-after dining experiences—well before the general public gets a chance. It’s a perk that’s quickly become the talk of the town, especially among younger urbanites eager to secure their spot at the most buzzworthy events.
But the advantages don’t stop at early access. HSBC cardholders will also enjoy exclusive discounts and deals, making a wide array of urban experiences more affordable and accessible. Whether it’s a high-profile music concert, a pop-up dining event, or a stand-up comedy night, the partnership aims to lower the financial barrier and encourage more people to participate in the cultural life of their cities.
District by Zomato and HSBC are also intent on embedding themselves deeply within India’s most relevant and talked-about events. This isn’t just about ticket sales or one-off promotions; it’s about connecting consumers directly to the pulse of their city’s cultural landscape. By integrating HSBC into the very fabric of District’s event calendar, the companies hope to foster a sense of community and belonging, making ‘going out’ not just an activity, but a lifestyle.
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more apt. As Deepinder Goyal, co-founder and CEO of Zomato, noted in a recent social media post, demand for District events has reached a fever pitch. “Lately my DMs are full of ‘bro can you get me in?’ for District. Truth is, District doesn’t work on jugaad or contacts,” Goyal wrote, referring to the Indian term for workaround or pulling strings. He went on to say, “If you want early access + perks, you’ll need an @HSBC_IN credit card. August is going to be fun.” The message was clear: the days of relying on connections to secure entry to top events are fading, replaced by a more transparent, merit-based system tied to HSBC’s offerings.
For many in India’s rapidly expanding urban middle class, this partnership represents a shift in how leisure time is valued and spent. The traditional barriers—cost, exclusivity, and access—are being dismantled, replaced by a model that rewards engagement, loyalty, and a willingness to explore. The benefits for HSBC are equally significant, as the bank positions itself not just as a financial institution, but as a facilitator of lifestyle and cultural enrichment.
Industry observers note that the collaboration is part of a broader trend in India’s urban centers, where brands are increasingly seeking to align themselves with experiences rather than just products or services. The partnership between District by Zomato and HSBC India is emblematic of this shift, reflecting a new understanding of what today’s consumers want: not just goods, but memories, connections, and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves.
Moreover, the growth of India’s going-out segment is tied to demographic changes. With urban populations swelling and more young people entering the workforce, there’s a corresponding rise in disposable income and a willingness to spend on experiences that enrich daily life. The desire for diversity in entertainment and dining options is pushing venues, organizers, and brands to innovate, offering everything from fusion food festivals to immersive art installations and interactive comedy nights.
District by Zomato, already a leader in curating and hosting such events, stands to benefit from the added muscle and reach of HSBC India. The partnership is expected to drive greater attendance, foster loyalty among cardholders, and set a new standard for how cultural events are marketed and experienced in India. For HSBC, the collaboration offers a pathway to deeper engagement with a young, urban demographic—one that’s increasingly influential in shaping the country’s cultural and economic future.
As the partnership rolls out, all eyes will be on how effectively District by Zomato and HSBC India can deliver on their promise to make India’s vibrant urban life more accessible and exciting for everyone. If the early buzz is any indication, the stage is set for a new era in how Indians go out, connect, and celebrate the best their cities have to offer.
With exclusive perks, immersive experiences, and a shared commitment to enriching urban culture, District by Zomato and HSBC India are poised to transform the very fabric of India’s going-out scene—one memorable night at a time.