PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

The month of September not only ushers in the festive season, but also marks the beginning of India’s music festival extravaganza. Nestled among misty mountains and steeped in ancient traditions, the mystical Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up to awaken your senses at the upcoming Ziro Music Festival (September 28th–October 1st). This isn’t just any music festival; it’s a concoction of passion, sustainability, community camaraderie, and cultural diversity. As we gear up for the 2023 edition, let’s delve into what makes this festival a one-of-a-kind experience.

What is Ziro?

Ziro Valley, nestled 5,500 feet above sea level, serves as the idyllic backdrop for this musical festival. The four-day festival, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, offers a haven for music enthusiasts and soul-seekers alike. It’s a place where the best music from around the world harmonises with the charm of the Apatani tribe’s hospitable culture.

This year, the Ziro Music Festival promises to be more exhilarating than ever. With 47 indie acts, including 13 international artists, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience. Divided into three parts, the festival caters to diverse musical tastes. The Danyi (sun) stage pays homage to classical music during the daytime, while the Pwlo (moon) stage comes alive as the sun sets. Additionally, the newly added Takvr (star) stage transforms the night into an electronic extravaganza. With an array of talented artists, both local and international, this year’s lineup is a sonic treat waiting to be savoured.

The Line-up: What to Expect

The Danyi stage will begin at noon and carry on until 5 p.m. Here, you’ll be treated to a fantastic line-up paying homage to classical music. Expect to be enchanted by the talents of Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, the mesmerising Shashikala Dani from Jal Tarang, Joydip Mukherjee, and the acclaimed carnatic flautist Sikkil Mala Chandrasekar. As the sun sets, get ready for more magic with performances by the iconic singer Mohit Chauhan, Chorun Mulg, and international maestros like South Africa’s Guy Buttery, Estonian folk duo Puuluup, and Indonesia’s Ary Juliyant.

The Pwlo stage, kicking off at 5 p.m., promises to be an electrifying experience, led by none other than Farhan Akhtar’s band, Farhan Echos, and the rising sensation Taba Chake from Arunachal. After these power-packed acts, brace yourself for performances by MC Altaf, Lee Ranaldo, and the Lithuanian artist Antikvariniai Kapirovskio Dantys. This stage will be packed until 10 p.m., featuring additional talents like the Australian rock group Mannequin Death Squad, Sweden’s own The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra, and Delhi’s underground star Chaar Diwaari, among others.

Lastly, if you’re a night owl, the newly added Takvr stage is for you. This electronic gala kicks off at 7 p.m. and goes on until the wee hours of the morning at 3 a.m. Get ready to groove to the beats of Indian artists like Kissnuka (aka Anushka Manchanda), Nagaland’s DJ Ina, Deep Brown, Smokey Sound, and Unnayanaa. But that’s not all—international stars like Angata from Israel, Sebastian Fuchs from Germany, and Leon Somov from Lithuania will grace the stage as well, ensuring that the night is filled with pulsating rhythms and electronic ecstasy.

An Initiative Towards Sustainability

Beyond the music, the Ziro Festival embodies sustainability principles ingrained in the community’s heritage. With a cap of 10,000 visitors, the festival ensures minimal environmental impact. Single-use plastics are banned, and every effort is made to reduce the carbon footprint in this ecologically sensitive zone. The festival’s commitment to sustainability extends to its infrastructure, which employs local Apatani artisans and uses locally sourced materials like bamboo. Moreover, the event eliminates flex hoarding and discourages the use of single-use plastic, making a commendable effort to reduce plastic pollution. Instead, signage is ingeniously crafted from reclaimed wood and painted with eco-friendly paint. The festival also opts for Tamul plates and leaves, which are biodegradable, and water is provided free of charge. In the same vein, drinks at the festival are served in bamboo mugs, a sustainable alternative to single-use cups.

What Else Can You Explore?

While the music takes centre stage, the Ziro Festival offers more than just auditory delights. You can immerse yourself in the culture of the Apatani tribe. From experiencing their animist traditions to witnessing traditional tattooing, the festival provides a window into the traditions and culture of the Apatani Tribe. Additionally, you can even partake in traditional arts and crafts, workshops, dance, yoga, meditation, painting, gather around the bonfire, savour local rice beer, and much more.

How to Reach

Since the festival is in Arunachal Pradesh, a protected state, you’ll need a permit even if you’re Indian. All Indian Residents (excluding the natives of Arunachal) need to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP). You can get it either from the government offices of Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, etc. or from Arunachal’s Tourism site; a 14-day e-permit costs Rs100.

The Festival tickets start at INR 2,500 for one day and go up to INR 8,000 for a four-day pass.