Ziro Festival of Music is an outdoor music festivalwhich takes place in the Ziro valley in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Located in Lower Subansiri district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, the picturesque green valley is a perfect place for an independent artists music festival. A festival that together some of the best musical talents of India to a diverse audience hungry for some original cool music. A vibrant mixture of art, music, and culture, Ziro Festival has now become a “go to” destination for the youngsters and hip enthusiasts who want to get high on music. It portrays the independent music scene in India.
The festival was founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty, and has featured artists like Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Damo Suzuki, Shye Ben Tzur, MONO, Divine, Louw Majaw , Sha'air n Func, Indus Creed, Peter Cat Recording Co, Menwhopause, Guru Rewben Mashangva , and Barmer Boys among others. The festival is spread over four days and is hosted by members of the Apatani people in Ziro.
Ziro Valley has been in the news for a couple of years now and all for the right reasons. A favorite for being listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, lately, it has also been developing a colorful personality of its own – courtesy, the Ziro Festival Of Music or in simple words, Ziro Music Festival.
A picturesque valley is not easy to reach. But all the efforts to Ziro Valley is a beauty in itself. There is no direct airport or railway station connecting to Ziro Valley. You need to take a road trip to Ziro Valley through the nearest railway station Naharlagun. Guwahati, nearest to Ziro, has easy air or train connections from all over the country. The journey to Ziro Valley is adventurous. It is a trip to remember for your lifetime.
You can hire a taxi from Guwahati or Jorhat (approx 470 kilometres). It will take 7 hours for you to reach via NH27 & NH15 (the road conditions are quite good). Government buses are also available from the same. There are government run buses from Itanagar to Ziro for a reasonable cost between INR 100 to INR 200.
Likabali and Tezpur are the closest airport but unreliable when it comes to the flight schedule. Hence, it is preferred that you fly to Guwahati Airport (450 kilometres) and then travel to Ziro via its various transport options available.
The closest railhead is Naharlagun and is about 3 hours away from Ziro. One can board an overnight (about 3 hours away from Ziro). One can board an overnight train from Guwahati to Naharlagun. Entry tickets to Ziro Festival of Music are available on the festival website.
The options to stay in Ziro Valley during the festival are homestays or tents. You can also carry your own tents to the place. The stay options might get expensive during the festival.
There is also an option to stay in hotels during your stay. There are a few hotels/lodges in Ziro with basic amenities. It is advisable to book early to avoid rush. You can checkcheck directly with the hotels about bookings. The hotels available are Hotel Blue Pine, Hotel Pine Ridge, City Hotel, Arunachal Guest House and Hotel Valley View.
Ziro Music Festival has entry passes which are easily available on the site of the festival and other online booking sites. Also, you can directly buy them there en route but, only if you reach early enough.Also, there are government entry permits required to visit Ziro Valley. These permits can be obtained from state offices in Delhi, Guwahati and Tezpur. Be prepared for all such stuff.All non-Arunachali Indians need an Inner Line Permit and foreigners need a Protected Area Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh. These are available at state tourist offices in all major Indian cities. You can also directly buy them there en route but, only if you reach early enough. Apart from the booze of music, Ziro awaits for you with the local touch of experiences in its golden paddy fields.
Guzzle up in music with the bamboo mug of rice beer and local delicacies of cuisine.When you are filled with all the music, you might also look for other things to do here. Ziro is filled with numerous excitement to make it your best days. It is the perfect destination for the nature lovers. Trek to the Dong Village to take the most beautiful view of sunrise. It is the place to receive the first sun rays in India. Go for cycling trips in hilly regions. Learn fish farming with the locals. When its the stargazing cold nights in Ziro with rains, its the warmth of music which holds you back. Live up the best moment at Ziro Valley with the Music Festival. Keep slaying in the musical breeze of Ziro Valley.
- If you have to resell your ticket, consult the ZFM team at
[email protected] - There are several homestays, hotels and camping arrangements in Ziro. The website will add the accommodation section closer to the festival. However, it is advisable to book in advance.
- If you are an artist that wishes to perform, you can send your profile to the required authorities at the festival.
- There are several food stalls inside and outside the festival selling a wide variety of cuisines.
- You are not allowed to carry your alcohol inside the venue. Beer and local wines will be available at the festival bar.
- The closest ATM is half an hour away from the festival. People report their daily expenditure at the festival is around INR 1,000.
- If you are travelling alone, you can find people to travel to their online forums.
- Since monsoon has set in by the time of the festival, carry your umbrellas, raincoats, and gumboots.
- Book tickets in advance for the early bird offer.
