Ziro Festival of Music

 

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable musical experience, you should check out the Ziro Festival of Music in Arunachal Pradesh. This festival is one of the coolest and most Eco-friendly music festivals in India, featuring independent artists from across the country and beyond. Here are some reasons why you should not miss this festival: 
  

Location: The festival is set in the stunning Ziro Valley, which is a World Heritage Site candidate and one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. The valley is surrounded by lush green rice fields, pine forests and snow-capped mountains. The valley is home to the Apatani tribe, who are known for their rich culture and sustainable way of living. You can stay in their bamboo huts, taste their local cuisine and learn about their traditions and customs. You can also explore the nearby villages, wildlife sanctuaries and scenic spots in the valley. Some of the popular attractions in Ziro Valley are: 

 
Meghna Cave Temple: This is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of 300 feet on a hilltop. The temple was rediscovered in 1962 and has inscriptions dating back to the 5th century AD. The temple offers a panoramic view of the valley and is a place of spiritual significance for the locals. 

Midey: This is a place where you can see some of the tallest and oldest pine trees in Arunachal Pradesh. The pine trees are over 100 feet tall and have a circumference of over 10 feet. The place is also known for its natural beauty and tranquility.   

Tarin Fish Farm: This is an innovative fish rearing farm that uses a combination of rice cultivation and fish breeding. The farm produces two varieties of rice, Emoh and Mipya, and two varieties of fish, Ngihi and Ngilyang. The farm is an example of sustainable agriculture and also provides employment to the local people.  

Kile Pakho: This is a ridge that offers a spectacular view of both the Ziro plateau and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The ridge is about 7 km from Old Ziro and can be reached by a short trek. The place is ideal for nature lovers and photographers who want to capture the beauty of Ziro Valley.    

Dolo Mando: This is a hilltop that overlooks the town of Hapoli, which is also known as New Ziro. The hilltop can be accessed by a trek or a drive and offers a bird's eye view of the town and its surroundings. The place is also a popular spot for watching sunrise and sunset.  

 

History: The Apatani tribe has a fascinating history that is preserved through oral traditions and folk tales. They are believed to have migrated from the north of Subansiri and Siang areas following the rivers of Kurung and Kiimey. They have a democratic system of running their society through village councils called bulyang. They practice a form of shamanism called Donyi-Polo, which worships the sun and moon as supreme gods. They also have a collection of religious chants called miji and migung, which narrate their interactions with the spirits and their mythological origins. The Apatanis were one of the first tribes in India to encounter the British in the 12th century, and various documents record their growth and tradition over the years. They have also contributed to the development of agriculture, forestry, handicrafts and education in Arunachal Pradesh. The Apatanis have a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage, which they celebrate through various festivals, rituals and art forms. 
 

The Music: The festival showcases a variety of music genres, from rock to folk, with a focus on emerging acts from Northeast India. You can discover new talents and enjoy live performances by some of the best indie artists in the country. The festival also features classical musicians and workshops by local artists. The festival has two stages with over 40 bands and music acts performing. Some of the artists who have been part of this festival are Lee Ranaldo from Sonic Youth, Louw Majaw from Shillong, Steve Shelley from Nirvana, Shaa'ir n Func from Mumbai, Indus Creed from Mumbai, Peter Cat Recording Co from Delhi, Menwhopause from Delhi, Guru Rewben Mashangva from Manipur, and Barmer Boys from Rajasthan. The festival also promotes indigenous music and culture by featuring local bands and singers from Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. Some of these include Omak Komut Collective, Yesterdrive, Alobo Naga & The Band, Tetseo Sisters, Avora Records, Girish & The Chronicles, Imphal Talkies & The Howlers, Purple Fusion, Frisky Pints, Street Stories, Digital Suicide, Vinyl Records, Lucid Recess, Soulmate and many more. The festival offers a diverse musical experience that caters to different tastes and preferences. 

 
The Vibe: The festival has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, where you can mingle with other music lovers, artists and locals. You can also participate in yoga and meditation sessions, dance workshops, mocktail workshops and literary events. The festival is a celebration of passion, diversity, community and creativity. You can feel the magic of Ziro as you camp under the stars, groove to the tunes, savour the local delicacies, make new friends and immerse yourself in the culture. 

 
The Altitude: The festival takes place in Ziro Valley, which is situated at an altitude of 1688 meters (5538 feet) to 2438 meters (8000 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest music festivals in India. The high altitude gives Ziro Valley cool weather in summer and chilly weather in winter. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

 
The Airport: The nearest airport to Ziro Valley is Lilabari Airport in Assam, which is about 123 km away from Ziro. This airport is connected to Kolkata by Alliance Air flights four times a week. Another airport near Ziro Valley is Jorhat Airport in Assam, which is about 190 km (about 118.06 mi) away from Ziro. This airport is connected to Guwahati by SpiceJet flights six times a week. For international flights, the nearest airport to Ziro Valley is Guwahati Airport in Assam, which is about 449 km (about 279 mi) away from Ziro. This airport is connected to major cities in India and abroad by various airlines. 

 
Tickets: The tickets for the Ziro Festival of Music can be booked online at https://zirofestival.com/. A four-day pass costs 8,000 INR (96.74 USD). Individual day passes are also available and are priced at 2,500 INR (30.23 USD) for the first day and 3,000 INR (36.28 USD) for each of the following days. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased at a time.  Alternatively, you can also buy tickets from various travel companies that offer camping and food packages inclusive of the festival tickets. These packages can range from 10,000 INR to 25,000 INR depending on the facilities and services. 

 
Capacity: The Ziro Festival of Music hosts approximately 10,000 attendees every year, Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance as they may sell out quickly. 

 
Weather: The festival takes place in September, which is one of the best months to visit Ziro Valley. The weather is pleasantly warm, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). The sky is mostly clear or sunny, with about 6.7 hours of sunshine per day. However, there is also a high chance of rain, with about 90% probability of precipitation on an average day. The rainfall is heavy, with about 0.97 inches (24.8 mm) per day. Therefore, it is advisable to carry raincoats or umbrellas and waterproof shoes or boots. 
 
The Ziro Festival of Music is a must-visit for anyone who loves music, nature and culture. The festival will take place from 28 September to 1 October 2023. Don't miss this chance to experience the magic of Ziro! 

 

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