That time of the season has come again when there will be unlimited and continuous music, art, culture and happiness! Yes, the Ziro Festival of Music is about to commence and is scheduled to be held on September 27 for four days and ends on Sunday, September 30.
The music festival this year expects to entertain 6000 attendees with the stages set for a total of 40 performances. Held in the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh every year since 2012, the best thing about this festival is that it showcases the independent music scene in India and is hosted by members of the Apatani people in Ziro. If the founders of this music festival are to be named then they are Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty along with featured artists like Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Damo Suzuki, Shye Ben Tzur, Louw Majaw, Sha'air n Func and so on.
Going to Ziro for attending the music festival is one thing and enjoying its scenic location and breathe in the fresh air surrounding the valley is another. It is not that music lovers only finds solace in Ziro, but to tell the truth, the music festival is just an excuse and visitors throng in to mostly spend a few days of music, art, great food, amazing climate and the lovely surrounding which is a rare sight in today’s hectic life schedules.
The ethnic food sold and served by its local tribes is a must try for the visitors coming from in and outside the country. Similarly, the traditional and handcrafted artefacts are other remarkable attractions of the event.
When it comes to reaching Ziro, one might not find the trip as swift and smooth, but then all the travels and a little lengthy journey to be in the music festival is worth it. However, an adventure lover will surely like the whole journey to reach the destination. As there are no direct flight services to Ziro or even in the state, one has to fly to Guwahati first. Guwahati is about 440km away from Ziro Valley and to cover this distance of approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes, commuters have to arrange a taxi, cab services that will take one directly to Naharlagun. Now, from Naharlagun starts another journey of 3 hours 30 minutes that comprises of rocky roads, landslide hit areas and rugged mountainous terrain. All thought this journey, the fresh and cool breezes and the stunning views of greenery will surely accompany one until he reaches the Ziro valley.
A true-hearted adventurer, by now, might have all packed up and ready to set out for one of the most fun-filled outdoor music festivals of the year. Despite being located in the Far East corner of the country, i.e., in Arunachal Pradesh; the Ziro valley music festival has been to pull visitors from all over the world. Right from a complex journey to this valley located at a height of over 5500 feet above sea level, to witnessing its picturesque beauty and getting lost in the musical ambience; there is everything that a true music lover would crave for.