The Ziro Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The festival is held over three days in the month of September and showcases a diverse range of music from across India and the world. The dates for this year are 28 September to 1 October 2023.
Festival Origins
Nestled within the Ziro Valley are the Apatani, a warm and welcoming agrarian tribe renowned for their deep-rooted love for music. This affection for music, shared by the entire North-East Indian community, found its expressive outlet in the creation of the Ziro Festival in 2012. This remarkable endeavor was spearheaded by Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty, the guitarist of Menwhopause.
From its humble beginnings, the festival has garnered immense popularity, attracting enthusiastic attendees from both India and abroad who converge to savor the musical talents on display and revel in their captivating performances.
The Scenic Ziro Valley
The Ziro Music Festival takes place in the picturesque Ziro Valley, situated in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the valley provides a stunning backdrop for the festival and is perfect for some instagram worthy photo shoots.
Diverse Lineup
This year's festival promises a vibrant tapestry of melodies, rhythms, and mesmerizing performances across three captivating stages:
Danyi (Sun) Stage
At the Danyi (Sun) Stage, expect an impressive lineup featuring classical virtuosos like Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Hindustani classical Jal Tarang maestro Shashikala Dani, renowned Carnatic flautist Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar, and the captivating Joydeep Mukherjee, among other luminaries. The stage will also witness the electrifying performances of acclaimed Indian singer Mohit Chauhan and the talented Arunachali vocalist Chorun Mugli. International sensations gracing this stage include the Indonesian troubadour Ary Juliyant, South African guitar wizard Guy Buttery, and the enchanting folk duo Puuluup from Estonia.
Pwlo (Moon) Stage
The Pwlo (Moon) Stage boasts an eclectic artist roster, featuring Farhan Akhtar’s band Farhan Echoes, Arunachali indie pop sensation Taba Chake, the charismatic rapper MC Altaf, and the return of international icons like rock legend Lee Ranaldo and multi-award-winning Antikvariniai Kašpirovskio Dantys from Lithuania. This stage also welcomes Australian punk rockers Mannequin Death Squad fresh from their UK tour, the unique Swedish act – The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra concluding their summer tour, Indian music producer and commercial success Komorebi, and the game-changer in the Delhi underground scene, Chaar Diwaari, among others.
Takvr (Star) Stage
Brandishing an electrifying lineup, the Takvr Stage, curated by India's leading electronic artist Sapta aka Marti Bharath, promises a sonic journey. Featuring top DJs and music producers from around the world, it's a haven for electronic music aficionados. The roster includes homegrown talents like Kissnuka aka Anushka Manchanda, Nagaland’s premier DJ and producer Ina, Deep Brown, Smokey Sound, and Unnayana, alongside international acts like the renowned Angata (Israel), Sebastian Fuchs (Germany), and the Lithuanian maestro Leon Somov, who returns to Ziro this year. Get ready to dance the night away in this immersive electronic playground.
More Than Music
- While music is at the heart of the festival, it's not the only attraction. The festival also celebrates the rich culture of Arunachal Pradesh with traditional food stalls, handicrafts stalls, and cultural performances. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the indigenous tribes' traditions and way of life.
- Ziro Music Festival camping is famous among the visitors. There are camps set nearby the venue so that music lovers are never too far from their favorite artists and sessions. You can also book a hotel or a homestay near Ziro Festival as per your needs and budget.
Entry to Ziro Festival of Music
To attend the Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, visitors are required to obtain certain permits. These include:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Indian residents, excluding the natives of Arunachal, are required to get this permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh. It can be obtained either online or from the government offices of Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, Shillong, Jorhat, etc.
- Protected Area Permit (PAP): Foreigners visiting Arunachal Pradesh to attend Ziro Festival need Protected Area Permit. They can get this from All Indian Missions abroad or the All Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi. PAP can also be acquired from the Chief Immigration Officer in Chennai or the Home Ministry, Govt. of India, or Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar.
Planning Your Visit
If you're considering attending the Ziro Music Festival, here's some essential information:
- Date: The festival is held in the month of September.
- Duration: It spans three exciting days.
- Tickets: You can purchase tickets online or at the venue.
- Camping: Limited camping spots are available at the festival, so plan ahead.
- Payment: The festival operates on a cashless system.
Tips for a Memorable Experience
To make the most of your time at the Ziro Music Festival, keep these tips in mind:
- Early Arrival: Arrive early to secure a prime spot for the performances.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes that you can dance in.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Weather Awareness: Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Community Spirit: Make friends with those around you and share in the festival experience.
Additional Festival Insights
Here's some extra information about the Ziro Music Festival:
- Organizers: The festival is organized by the Ziro Music Society, a non-profit organization.
- Sustainability: The festival is committed to sustainability and environmental protection.
- Support Local: Attending the festival is a great way to contribute to the local economy.
The Ziro Music Festival is a truly unique celebration of music and culture that you won't want to miss. If you're seeking an unforgettable festival experience, mark your calendar for the Ziro Music Festival in 2023.
