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Ziro Festival of Music

Ziro Festival of Music

All festivals

music

Held every year in late September in the Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Region: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. 4 days
Festivals/Ziro Festival of Music

When it happens

September

Held every year in late September in the Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Region: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.

Annual
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Ziro Festival of Music
Arun Katiyar from Bangalore, India (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ziro Festival of Music
Arun Katiyar from Bangalore, India (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ziro Festival of Music
Arun Katiyar from Bangalore, India (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ziro Festival of Music
Arun Katiyar (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ziro Festival of Music
Arun Katiyar (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Significance

India's premier outdoor independent music festival, set in a scenic Himalayan valley among the Apatani tribal lands, blending indie music with eco-tourism.

Why it's celebrated

Founded to provide a creative, independent platform for indie musicians from across India and the globe, while consciously promoting sustainable, eco-friendly tourism and preserving the natural heritage of the valley.

How it's celebrated

Two massive stages made entirely of locally sourced bamboo host continuous performances spanning indie rock, folk, electronic, and classical fusion. Attendees live in outdoor campsite villages, enjoy local rice beer, and explore the surrounding pine forests and terraced paddy fields.

Key rituals

The festival maintains a strict eco-conscious lifestyle: no single-use plastics are permitted, all festival structures are built by hand using local bamboo, and daily interactive workshops introduce visitors to Apatani cultural practices.

Beliefs & spiritual meaning

Rooted in the spirit of the valley, the festival reinforces a deep belief in environmental preservation, communal harmony, and mutual respect between modern global music lovers and the traditional custodians of the land.

History & origins

Co-founded in 2012 by indie musician Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty, the festival quickly earned international praise for its unique combination of remote valley beauty and high-quality independent arts curation.

Tips for travellers

You must secure an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Pack high-quality rain gear and rubber boots, as unexpected mountain showers are common in the valley, and book your campsite months in advance.

What to expect

Stepping into the Ziro Music Festival feels like entering a beautiful eco-village hidden among green terraced hills. The air is fresh and crisp, carrying a mixture of acoustic melodies, rock chords, and the gentle wind rustling through pine trees. Walking past grand bamboo stages, you can sip local millet beer from bamboo cups while connecting with independent music fans and warm Apatani hosts, creating a deeply relaxing and escape into nature.

Quick facts

Also known as
Ziro Festival of Music, ZFM
When
Held every year in late September in the Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Region: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.
Duration
4 days
Where
Hosted in the breathtaking Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the ancestral home of the indigenous Apatani tribe.
Type
music
Sustainable Craftsmanship
The entire infrastructure, including the grand main stages, is handcrafted by local artisans using sustainable bamboo and wood.

Frequently asked

How do travelers reach the Ziro Valley?+

Travelers typically fly into Guwahati or Dibrugarh, take an overnight train or drive to Naharlagun or Murkongselek, and complete the remaining journey into the hills via shared taxis.

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