Come September-October and it’s time to head to the breathtaking land of Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro. Currently on its 10th edition, this festival is an annual pilgrimage for music enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers, offering an unforgettable experience of music, art, and the unparalleled beauty of the region.
All Roads Lead To Ziro
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Ziro, situated about 150 kilometres from the state capital Itanagar, is an oasis of natural beauty. The lush green valleys, rice fields, dense forests, and misty mountains paint a surreal backdrop for the festival. The region is inhabited by the Apatani tribe. This year, the tribe is preparing to welcome 10,000 tourists from around the world and 47 independent acts.
The Ziro Music Festival was founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Menwhopause, a renowned Indian rock band’s guitarist Anup Kutty. The festival aimed to promote independent music and provide a platform for both established and emerging artists. Since its inception, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting music lovers from all corners of India and beyond. It has also received critical acclaim for its commitment to preserving the environment and the local culture.
Held this year from September 28 to October 1, 2023, the festival is famous for its close affinity with nature and respect for the environment, thanks to the Apatani tribe.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh To Host India’s 1st Marathon At 10,000 Ft Above Sea Level; Here’s All About It
What’s On At Ziro Festival For This Year?
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From indie rock and folk to electronic and world music, the festival offers a diverse lineup that caters to all musical tastes. Renowned artists, as well as emerging talents, grace the stages at Ziro, creating an immersive and unforgettable musical experience.
The renowned outdoor celebration will feature an additional stage for electronic music for the first time. This will go on from 7 pm to 3 am. While the other two stages, Danyi (‘sun’) and Pwlo (‘moon’), will present a variety of musical styles from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
There are a lot of Indian headliners among the 47 acts, as well as 13 international stars. Keep an eye out for The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra from Sweden, American rock legend Lee Ranaldo, Lithuanian multi-award winner Antikvariniai Kapirovskio Dantys (AKD), Mannequin Death Squad from Australia, Eliasse from France and more.
The event is created using sustainable practices that the neighbourhood has been doing for years. As a result, the festival has always pushed towards being environmentally friendly, limiting attendance to 10,000, banning single-use plastics, and being highly mindful of its carbon imprint in this ecologically fragile area.
When: September 28 to October 1
Where: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Please check here for more details
Cover image credits: Flickr/Marco Verch