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Wondering why Northeast India has become a rising hub for music festivals? If so, check out this article to know how music showcases the rich heritage and redefines it by embracing new influences. Moreover, Northeast India's breathtaking landscapes add beauty and enhance the atmosphere. One such music festival is the
Ziro Music Festival, celebrated annually in September.
Ziro Music Festival & Its Significance
Founded in 2012 by Bobby Hano Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty, Ziro Music Festival is considered one of India's top outdoor music festivals, which celebrate community, culture, and passion by promoting local artists. Moreover, it has featured a wide range of international artists from Indus Creed to Rewben Mashangva and Indie artists as well. Ziro Music Festival is held for four days in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, and is hosted by the local Apatani community. The major artists who have performed in this vibrant festival are Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Mono, Shye Ben-Tzur, the Rajasthan Express, Damo Suzuki, Madou Siddiqui, Nubya Garcia, Acid Mothers Temple, and Lucky Ali.
The fascinating feature of Ziro Music Festival is that it is the only festival in India made from sustainable materials, including bamboo and wood, which are locally available. The solid infrastructures, which are used in the festival, are handcrafted by local people, reflecting their creativity and the region's respect for culture and resources. It highly encourages sustainable practices at the event grounds, inspiring people to live in community and work for communal well-being.
Activities in Ziro Music Music Festival 2025
In 2025, Ziro Music Festival was celebrated from 25th to 28th September, and several activities were organized apart from the music festival. It brings every artist, musician, and designer to hone their creative skills by attending free workshops on art therapy, handweaving with natural fibres, writing songs, learning sign languages & theatrical games, making Apatani paddy flute, puppets, learn origami, stargazing, storytelling, visual storytelling, waste challenge, vocal percussion, wood sculptures, and yoga & meditation.
How to Reach Ziro Valley Festival?
By Air: You can book a flight to Itanagar airport in Arunachal Pradesh, which is 100 km from Ziro, but it is served by one airline from some of the major cities in India. You can book a flight to Dibrugarh, Assam, which is a 5-hour drive to Ziro. Although Lilabari airport is close to Ziro Valley, but it has limited service. If you are traveling to Guwahati (Assam), Ziro is 9-hour drive from there.
By Train: Even though Ziro Valley is not directly connected to Guwahati by train, there is an overnight train from Guwahati to Naharlagun. As Naharlagun is a 3-hour drive from Ziro, you can hire a taxi and reach your destination.
By Road: Ziro Valley is also connected by roads from Itanagar and Guwahati.
Also remember, Indians need an Inner Line Permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh, and foreigners need a Protected Area Permit to enter the state.
So, you can mark your calendar for 2026 and experience the rich culture in Arunachal Pradesh redefined by music.
