Remember seeing Apatani women with huge nose piercings and facial tattoos? Welcome to ZIRO VALLEY and the lives of the Apatani tribe. Ziro Valley, the scenic state of Arunachal Pradesh, is the home of the Ziro Music Festival. This annual event has become a haven for music lovers from all over the world and for good reason. With a lineup of local and international artists, it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Ziro Valley, situated in the Lower Subasiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, is a picturesque haven known for its vibrant greenery. This enchanting valley is home to the renowned Ziro Music Festival, a globally acclaimed event that takes place annually.
Ziro is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a cultural experience like no other. It is located at a distance of approximately 420 km from Guwahati. The festival is held for four days at the heart of Ziro Valley, 5500 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. In 2012, Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty, guitarist of Menwhopause, came up with the concept. The festival takes place in the breathtaking Ziro Valley, situated 5500 feet above sea level, and lasts for four days. This year the Ziro musical festival is taking place between 26 September to 29 September 2024.
Varun Koorichh, Vice President and Portfolio Head of Marketing at Diageo India, stated that they are excited to continue their partnership with the Ziro Music Festival as the presenting sponsor. He emphasized the changing preferences of modern consumers, who are actively seeking meaningful experiences and living mindfully. The success of last year’s collaboration highlighted the alignment between Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s ‘Live Good, Do Good’ ethos and the eco-friendly reputation of the Ziro Music Festival. This year, they aim to further elevate this partnership and achieve even greater success.
SUGGESTED READ: Reasons to Visit Ziro Musical Festival
How To Reach
- By Road: To access the Zero Music Festival by road, one can hire a taxi from Guwahati, which is approximately 470 km away and takes around 7 hours to reach via NH27 and NH15. Alternatively, government buses are available from Itanagar to Ziro at a reasonable price, and driving to the destination is also an option.
- By Air: While Likabali and Tezpur are the nearest airports, Guwahati Airport is the more dependable choice due to its wider range of flight options.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Naharlagun.
Entry Fees
The festival offers a four-day pass for INR 8,500, or you can opt for single-day passes at INR 2,600 for the first day and INR 3,500 for the following days.
What Ziro offers?
Ziro is not just about music. It’s a journey through nature, culture, and stunning landscapes, all set to a beat.
The Ziro Musical Festival is your chance to explore a world filled with wonder, where the Apatani people and their unique culture thrive. From their unique facial tattoos and nose piercings to their traditional music, you’ll get a glimpse into a way of life that’s rapidly disappearing. And, above all, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the authentic cuisine of Arunachal, perfectly complemented with local Rice Beer, Kiwi Beer, or Apong.
And what makes this festival stand out is its conscious effort to promote sustainability and eco-friendliness. They’ve made it a point to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and promote responsible practices. Ziro Musical Festival has a strong commitment to protecting the environment, making it an event with a conscience. So while you dance to the beats and lose yourself in the music, you can also feel good about being part of a sustainable movement. Famous artists that will come to Ziro this year are Dobom Doji Collective (Arunachal Pradesh), Gowwli (Kerala), Pink Moss (Goa),Saskia Laroo (Netherlands), Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project (Mumbai), Murder In Space (Meghalaya), The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band (Thailand), Hanita Bhambri (Mumbai), Jamna Paar – Live (Delhi), Shrii – Live (Hyderabad), Fakira (Kolkata), Sarthak Mudgal & Airbass (Delhi) etc.
READ MORE: Ziro Festival of Music
At this festival, creativity knows no bounds. You’ll find awe-inspiring art installations, captivating workshops, and interactive experiences that add an extra layer of magic to the overall atmosphere. The Ziro Musical Festival is all about fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
At this festival, creativity knows no bounds. You’ll find awe-inspiring art installations, captivating workshops, and interactive experiences that add an extra layer of magic to the overall atmosphere. The Ziro Musical Festival is all about fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
Every Indian citizen, except those from Arunachal Pradesh, must obtain an ILP or Inner Line Permit. The ILP can be conveniently applied online through the ILP Arunachal website. It is recommended for travelers book their accommodation well in advance as there are limited options available in Ziro. In Ziro Valley music is a way of life. It’s an expression of love, a medium for telling stories, and a way to connect with each other.
Entry tickets to the Ziro Festival of Music are available on the official Website of the Ziro Musical Festival
Bridge Between Cultural and Environment
Sustainability is a top priority for the Ziro Music Festival, as they make a conscious effort to incorporate eco-friendly practices in all areas of their event planning. By utilizing materials sourced locally, such as bamboo, the festival aims to reduce its impact on the environment, showcasing a commitment to preserving the natural resources of the region. The festival enforces a rigid ban on plastic and encourages decreased waste production through effective waste management strategies such as recycling and composting. Through its focus on protecting the environment, the Ziro Music Festival not only offers a memorable music festival experience but also showcases a positive model for responsible event planning, fostering a balanced connection between music, culture, and the natural world.
Nearby Places to Explore:
- Hornbill Valley: Ziro is famous for its diverse hornbill community. Take part in a guided hike to observe these magnificent birds in their native environment.
- Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: This reserve houses a wide variety of plants and animals, such as lions, giraffes, and different types of birds. Embark on a relaxing stroll or a thrilling jeep adventure to catch a glimpse of these marvelous creatures.
- Siikhe Lake: Siikhe Lake is the initial artificial lake in Arunachal Pradesh, situated in the beautiful Ziro Valley, only 2.5 km away from Hapoli town. This artificial lake was created as a component of the Water Conservation Project Scheme introduced by the government of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Apatani culture by exploring their traditional villages. Gain insight into their rituals, heritage, and artistic creations, and maybe even engage in a traditional event or feast.
- Enjoy the Local Food: Ziro offers a tasty local cuisine that highlights the region’s fresh ingredients and traditional tastes. Do not forget to sample the indigenous dishes such as rice beer, bamboo shoots, and smoked fish.
FAQs
What is the Ziro Music Festival?
The Ziro Music Festival is an annual outdoor music festival held in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It showcases a diverse range of music genres, including indie rock, folk, and cultural performances by artists from India and around the world. The festival aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the local Apatani tribe while fostering eco-tourism.
Do attendees need permits to visit Ziro?
Yes, both Indian and foreign tourists require permits to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign tourists must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP). These permits can be acquired online or from designated government offices.
What can attendees expect at the festival?
Festival-goers can look forward to live performances from a variety of artists, local cuisine, art installations, and workshops that highlight Apatani culture. The event is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rice fields, creating a unique atmosphere for music lovers.
Are there accommodation options available during the festival?
Accommodation during the Ziro Music Festival includes camping on-site or staying in local guesthouses and hotels. Attendees are encouraged to book early due to high demand. Camping provides a more immersive experience in nature, while local accommodations offer comfort.
Explore the Ziro Valley HERE…