Get ready for an electrifying experience at the Ziro Music Festival 2023 - one of the most anticipated music festivals in India. It’s also one of the country's biggest eco-conscious outdoor festivals. This four-day celebration of music, art, and culture takes place in the stunning hills of Arunachal Pradesh. It showcases the exceptional talents of artists from all around the globe.
If you haven't had the chance to experience this festival before, allow us to introduce you to a unique blend of indie, folk, and fusion music that guarantees an unforgettable time. The Ziro Music Festival 2023 is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates good music and the beauty of nature. So, come and be a part of this magical experience!
This musical festival was started back in 2012 in Ziro Valley which is one of the oldest valleys of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival came into existence thanks to the collaborative efforts of Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty, a guitarist from the band Menwhopause. From its very beginning, the festival has attracted immense crowds, from all across India and overseas. The attendees gather here to appreciate the skills of gifted musicians and enjoy their fascinating performances.
Also Read: Top 8 Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh falls under a restricted area, unless and until you’re a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, you will need permission to enter this state.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Residents of India who are not natives of Arunachal Pradesh need this permit to enter the state and attend the festival. You can apply for ILP online or get it in person at any Arunachal Pradesh offices located in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, etc. Once applied, you can get the ILP within 5-7 working days, which will cost you just INR 100.
But if you’re in a hurry, a rapid permit is also available and you can get it within a few hours for INR 400 only. This permit is valid for 15 days from the date of issue. You can apply for an extension in the Tawang district if you choose to stay and explore the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.
Protected Area Permit (PAP): Foreigners or NRIs (Indians staying abroad for more than 6 months) are not eligible for an ILP and hence, they need to have a PAP. It can be obtained from various sources, including All Indian Missions overseas or FRROs (Foreigners Registration Office) located in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
Additionally, the PAP can also be acquired from the Chief Immigration Officer in Chennai, the Home Ministry of the Government of India, or the Home Commissioner of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh based in Itanagar. There is a fee of $30 to get PAP and it is valid for 10 days, however an extension of 7 days is also possible. Normally, the travel agents can get the PAP for you.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh Travel Guide
When: It’s a four-day music festival. The dates are 28th September 2023 - 1st October 2023
Where: Well take a wild guess! It’s in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
How Much:
If you want to attend all 4 days, you can save a lot of money by booking a four-day pass for just INR 8,000.
Well, good news for all travelers, there is a new domestic airport recently opened in Arunachal Pradesh. Donyi Polo Airport, also known as Hollongi Airport, which is located in Itanagar, has made the traveling part very simple.
From this airport, you can take a cab or a bus which can take you to Ziro Valley in just 3 hours. However, if you are traveling from abroad, the nearest international airport is in Guwahati, Assam. Once you reach Guwahati Airport, also known as Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, you can take a cab, bus, or train to reach Ziro Valley.
If you’re planning to save some money, you can travel by train. The easiest way to reach Ziro Valley by train is to reach Guwahati Railway Station, Assam, and take a direct train to Naharlagun Railway Station which is located in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The train journey is 7 hours long. Once you reach Naharlagun, you can take a direct cab to Ziro Valley which is 3 hours away.
Ziro Valley can be reached by direct buses available from Guwahati, Itanagar, or North Lakhimpur. Alternatively, you can choose to book a cab ride from Guwahati to Ziro Valley as well. If you want to go all out. You can definitely decide to take a road trip to Ziro, for a memorable experience.
Also Read: Experience The Ladakh Festival
Staying at a campsite during the Ziro Music Festival provides an unparalleled and memorable experience. The festival is nestled within the stunning hills of Ziro, and camping allows for complete immersion in the valley's natural beauty.
In addition to being a cost-effective accommodation option, it encourages a sense of community and fellowship amongst travelers. Gathering around a campfire, exchanging stories, and waking up to breathtaking views of the hills, all contribute to creating a truly exceptional camping experience. However, you’re also free to book a hotel or homestay in Ziro if camping is not your thing.
Being a Northeastern state, Arunachal Pradesh has a range of cuisines that might not be common in the rest of India. If you’re a non-vegetarian who loves to explore different cuisines, then this place is heaven for you. Inside the Ziro Music Festival, you’ll get to eat unique food items that represent the Apatani tribe's food culture.
Try smoked pork, slow-cooked pork stew, chicken smoked in bamboo, Amin (a rice porridge with fermented bamboo shoots and local herbs), and Papuk (banana flower with chicken, red chili, and fermented bamboo shoots). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the barbeque silkworms, octopus, grasshoppers, etc. There are some stalls that sell smoked meat of Mithun (Indian Bison), these stalls are usually the most crowded ones.
One of the festival's highlights is its Signature Pavilion. It’s overseen by Diageo, the renowned liquor company and one of the festival's sponsors. You can participate in an exclusive cocktail masterclass here that’s led by the celebrated mixologist Yangdup Lama. His bar in Delhi has earned a place among the Top 50 bars globally! Alternatively, if you want to drink something authentic, you can try Apong, a local beer made by fermenting rice. They are served in bamboo mugs, see, authentic!
Also Read: Assam Travel Guide
Ziro Music Festival will be hosting over 47 indie acts for around 10,000 visitors from all around the world. All the EDM lovers assemble! Since it’s the 10-year anniversary of this festival, there will be a separate stage just for electronic music. The stage will be called Takvr (Stars) and will be a distance of 5-minute drive away from the other two stages Danyi (Sun) and Pwlo (Moon). While Danyi and Pwlo operate from 12 pm to 10 pm, the Takvr will be open from 7 pm to 3 am, get ready to rave yourself up.
Each stage promises a unique and captivating experience. During the daytime, the Danyi stage will treat audiences to a global musical journey. It’ll feature artists such as the Hindustani Jaltarang performer Shashikala Dani and Estonian musicians Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, who will enchant with traditional Talharpas.
As the sun sets, the Pwlo stage will come alive with renowned stars like Farhan Akhtar and Mohit Chauhan, delivering soul-stirring performances. The stage will also showcase the fusion brilliance of Chennai-based band, Jatayu, and the eclectic sounds of The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra. Don't miss the soothing melodies of Arunachal's beloved singer-songwriter, Taba Chake, known for hits like "Udd Chala."
The Takvr stage will transform into a late-night dance haven, featuring ten exceptional music producers. Among them is Unnayanaa, who seamlessly blends ethnic influences with electronic beats. There’s also experimental genius Prashanth Pallemoni, and Kolkata's Ankur Kedia, who will treat the crowd to Chicago House and Detroit Techno vibes.
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Summing Up
The Ziro Music Festival 2023 is a celebration of music, art, and culture that you simply cannot miss. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the valley and experience the local way of life. Whether you're a music lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to have a good time, this has something for everyone. Now that you’ve all the details, pack your bags, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What Happens At The Ziro Festival?
Ziro Festival is a celebration of music that presents a variety of genres from rock to folk, and showcases artists from all around the world.
What To Buy In Ziro?
Ziro is famous for bamboo items like baskets, locally made handicrafts by Apatani tribes, colorful rugs, scarves, etc.
What Food Is Famous In Ziro Valley?
Smoked meat and rice are common delicacies in the Ziro Valley.
What Is The Specialty Of Ziro?
Ziro is known for its natural beauty and hills. It’s situated in the Apatani Plateau and is declared a world heritage site by the UN.
