Ziro Valley and its Inhabitants

Ziro Valley is a paradise hidden deep within the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is renouned for its lush and green rice fields, a gushing stream running through it, bamboo groves, pine trees, and beautiful bamboo houses of the Apatani Tribe.

A pristine valley is declared a world heritage site by the UN, considering it a cultural heritage site of the Apatani tribe.

Apatani tribe

The Apatani tribe is famous due to its unique customs, traditions, and agricultural practices. The unique feature of the tribe is that the elder women of the tribe wear distinctive facial tattoos and large nose plugs. The practice is extremely old, dating back to a period when it was done with the sole aim of deterring neighboring tribes from wooing away Apatani women.

The Apatani Tribe is close to nature and has found an “ingenious way of rice cultivation in the form of Paddy cum Fish Culture.” This has helped them develop an intricate and harmonious culture of agriculture and pisciculture. This form of sustainable agriculture has not only ensured food security but also maintained the ecological balance in the valley.

Ziro Valley and the Apatani Tribe provide an unique platform for travelers to immerse themselves into an untainted world that has never come into contact with modernization and development. As travelers walk through the lush paddy fields and come into contact with the friendly locals, and watch their intriguing rituals, travelers experience a sense of profound appreciation for the wonderful way of life of the Apatani Tribe and untainted Ziro Valley.

Ziro Music Festival

The serene valley in the breath-taking landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh comes alive with the enchanting melodies and vibrant rhythms of the Ziro Music Festival.

Ziro Music Festival celebrates its festivities over the course of four days. It began in the year 2012 when Bobby Hano and Menhopause guitarist Anup Kutty started the festival. It is hosted by the members of the Apatani tribe.

This annual extravaganza honors the rich musical heritage of India while offering an alternative platform to artists to display their skills in this picturesque setting.

Delightful Experience:

The Ziro Music Festival is also a platform for a wonderful experience. It is a musical, artistic, and natural experience. As you enter the festival, you get to hear the sounds of guitars, drums, and melodious voices. It is set amidst beautiful hills and so provides artists as well as spectators with a perfect backdrop.

An Eclectic Lineup:

Apart from the musical performances, the Ziro Music Festival also offers an opportunity for cultural exchange. The festival invites people from all walks of life, encouraging them to mingle and be part of the culture and traditions of the region. People can visit different places and towns, interact with the Apatani tribe, try the local cuisine, and witness the traditional rituals that are centuries old. This fusion of music and culture offers an opportunity to gain valuable insights into appreciating the local population and their culture.

Cultural Exchange:

Beyond the musical performances, the Ziro Music Festival provides a platform for cultural exchange. The festival welcomes attendees from all walks of life, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. Visitors can explore the nearby villages, interact with the Apatani tribe, taste the traditional cuisine, and witness age-old rituals. This integration of music and culture creates an enriching experience that fosters a deep appreciation for the local community and its heritage.

Nature’s Playground:

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Ziro Music Festival is its location amidst pristine natural surroundings. The Ziro Valley is a haven for nature lovers, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and gushing rivers. Festival-goers can take a break from the musical performances to embark on adventurous hikes, explore the verdant landscape, and even camp under the starlit sky. The harmonious coexistence of music and nature makes Ziro a destination that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.

Community Spirit and Sustainability:

Apart from the musical performances, the Ziro Music Festival also offers an opportunity for cultural exchange. The festival invites people from all walks of life, encouraging them to mingle and be part of the culture and traditions of the region. People can visit different places and towns, interact with the Apatani tribe, try the local cuisine, and witness the traditional rituals that are centuries old. This fusion of music and culture offers an opportunity to gain valuable insights into appreciating the local population and their culture.

Things to Note

• Hotels, camps, and homestays are available at Ziro. Book them in advance.
• Food stalls providing veg and non-veg items, along with local foods, are available inside and outside the venue.
• Carry cash with yourself even if online facilities are available these days.
• To take advantage of the early bird offer, it is necessary to buy tickets in advance.
• There is a possibility of rain. It rains, at least partially, in most editions of Ziro. So, do carry rain gumboots, a poncho, or a raincoat, and warm clothes for the evening.

When one decides to revel in the Musical extravaganza known as the Ziro Music Festival. There are some official permits one requires to be a part of the festival.

These include:

1. Inline Permit: Indian citizens need Inline Permit or ILP while entering any place in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This Inline Permit can be obtained either through Online or can be obtained from the Government Authorities of Arunachal Pradesh. Now, you can apply Online for ILP.

2. Protected Area Permit: All foreigners to Arunachal Pradesh must have the Protected Area Permit. This can either be obtained from the All Indian Missions abroad, or the All-Foreigners Regional Registration Officers, or the Home Ministry, Govt. of India, or the Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.

How to Reach Ziro Valley?

• By Air: No direct flights are available for reaching Ziro. The nearest airport is in Donyi Poli Airport (Hollongi Airport), Itanagar, which is 100 kms away. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to reach Guwahati airport, from where you can reach ziro.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Naharlagun, which is 3 hours away from Ziro. An overnight train journey from Guwahati can be booked.
• By Road: A taxi from Guwahati to Ziro would take around 7 hours via NH27 or NH15. You can take a bus from Itanagar to Ziro. You can also take a shared taxi from North Lakhimpur.

Must Visit Places while visiting Ziro Valley

The Local Villages While visiting Ziro, one must explore the local villages and get to know the friendly Apatani tribe. Learn their traditions and visit the uniquely designed stilt houses. Be amazed by the intricately hand-crafted bamboo artifacts. Savour local cuisine at traditional eateries-also try local wine, Apong

Midey:

Renowned for housing some of the tallest and bluest pine trees in Apatani Valley, Midey offers great trekking and photography opportunities.

Dolo Mando:

This hill, though separated from the town, offers breathtaking views of Hapoli town situated below.

Meghna Cave Temple:

The temple is 5000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Lakulisha, the 28th avatar of Lord Shiva. Situated at a height of 300 feet, the temple offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

Kile Pakho:

A beautiful steep mountain a few kilometres away from the town. One gets a clear view of the valley, plateau, and the snowy ranges of Eastern Himalayas from both sides of this ridge.

Ziro Puto:

The serene hillock nearby and an army cantonment in Ziro offer spectacular views of the Apatani Valley. This is where India’s first administration was established in 1960. This is the perfect destination to get away from the noise and chaos of the city and find peace and tranquility in spectacular surroundings.

Tarin Fish Farm:

Surrounded by Pine Grove and Bamboo Grove, Tarin Fish Farm is located at a high altitude in the Bulla village. Visitors can notice the breeding of high altitude fishes. One can also see a method of raising the two crops of rice known as Mipya and Emoh along with a breed of fish called Ngihi grown simultaneously and followed by the Apatanis tribes.

Dilopolyang Maniipolyang:

A pair of hillocks near the Talley Valley Sanctuary. The place is serene and the view is stunning, which will rejuvenate the picture postcard meadows and make people fall in love with nature again..

Tarin Fish Farm:

Surrounded by Pine Grove and Bamboo Grove, Tarin Fish Farm is located at a high altitude in the Bulla village. Visitors can notice the breeding of high altitude fishes. One can also see a method of raising the two crops of rice known as Mipya and Emoh along with a breed of fish called Ngihi grown simultaneously and followed by the Apatanis tribes.

Dilopolyang Maniipolyang:

A pair of hillocks near the Talley Valley Sanctuary. The place is serene and the view is stunning, which will rejuvenate the picture postcard meadows and make people fall in love with nature again.

Visiting the Ziro Music Festival is an enlightening experience, which leaves an imprint on one’s heart and soul. The confluence of music, cultural activities, and nature is an experience of pure enchantment. It is an celebration of diversity, and friendships are made, which cross every barrier. The Ziro Music Festival turns out to be more than just a place; it is a journey of self-discovery and exploring the arts.

If you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure where music becomes alive amidst untouched landscapes, the Ziro Music Festival is indeed not something you can afford to miss. The festival is a redefining celebration of the widely held notion of the potency of music as a unifier.