Held amidst the scenic hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the Ziro Music Festival is one of India’s most unique and sought-after music events. The Ziro Music Festival is an outdoor music festival that showcases the talent of independent artists in India. This festival brings together the most significant musical talents of India and a diverse audience to witness it. Ziro Music Festival is an amalgam of vibrant culture, music, and art.
What is Ziro Music Festival?
The Ziro Music Festival is an annual indie music festival that takes place in the picturesque town of Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Initiated in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Menwhopause guitarist Anup Kutty, it spans over four days and is hosted by the members of the Apatani tribe in Ziro. The festival is known for its incredible lineup of indie bands, folk musicians, and international artists, all performing against the backdrop of the stunning Ziro Valley. Beyond the music, the festival offers attendees an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe, who call the Ziro Valley home.
When is Ziro Music Festival 2026?
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The dates for 2026 is September 24 to September 27.
This four-day musical extravaganza is an exciting time filled with performances, local experiences, and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Ticket Information for Ziro Music Festival 2026
There are various ticket options available for Ziro Music Festival 2026, catering to different preferences and schedules:
- Four-Day Festival Pass: INR 9,000 (best value if you plan to enjoy the full festival)
- Day 1 Pass (September 24): INR 3,100
- Day 2 Pass (September 25): INR 4,000
- Day 3 Pass (September 26): INR 4,000
- Day 4 Pass (September 27): INR 4,000
Please note that the ticket prices only cover entry to the festival and do not include accommodation or food. Tickets can be purchased online via the official festival website.
About Ziro Music Festival
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The Ziro Valley is the home to the Apatani tribe. The Apatani tribe is famous for their hospitality and their love for music. The Ziro Music Festival gives an outlet to this penchant for music and the desire to have an organized music festival. The festival draws music lovers from distant parts of the country. It is an outdoor festival which is celebrated with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Apart from being a fertile opportunity to showcase the talents and music of the East, the festival also helps to promote tourism in the state. National and international artists like Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Louw Majaw, Sha'air n Func, Indus Creed, Peter Cat Recording Co, Menwhopause, Guru Rewben Mashangva, and Barmer Boys have been a part of the festival. Along with a fantastic musical treat for four days, the audience also gets accommodation facilities in camps near the venue, keeping them near their favorite artists and sessions.
Entry Formalities for Ziro Festival of Music
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There are some official permits one requires to be a part of the festival. These include:
Inner line Permit: Indian citizens, excluding natives of Arunachal Pradesh, need an Inner line Permit or ILP to enter any place in Arunachal Pradesh. The ILP can be acquired either online or can be obtained from the Government Authorities of Arunachal Pradesh, whose offices can be found in Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Shillong, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Lakhimpur.
Protected Area Permit: All foreigners travelling to Arunachal Pradesh require PAP or Protected Area Permit. This can either be acquired from All Indian Missions abroad or the All Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or from the Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai or the Home Ministry, Govt. of India or Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.
Things to Know About Ziro Music Festival
- If you have to resell your ticket, consult the ZFM team at [email protected]
- There are several homestays, hotels, and camping arrangements in Ziro. The website will add the accommodation section closer to the festival. However, it is advisable to book in advance.
- If you are an artist who wishes to perform, you can send your profile to the required authorities at the festival.
- There are several food stalls inside and outside the festival selling a wide variety of cuisines.
- You are not allowed to carry your alcohol inside the venue. Beer and local wines will be available at the festival bar.
- The closest ATM is half an hour away from the festival. People report their daily expenditure at the festival is around INR 1,000.
- If you are travelling alone, you can find people to travel to their online forums.
- Since monsoon has set in by the time of the festival, carry your umbrellas, raincoats, and gumboots.
- Book tickets in advance for the early bird offer.
Artist Line up for the Ziro Music Festival 2026
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The latest available festival lineup includes:
- Shilpa Rao
- Swarathma
- Dualist Inquiry
- Susheela Raman
- Barmer Boys
- Anna Erhard
- Gauley Bhai
- Guitar Prasanna and many independent artists from India and abroad.
How to Reach Ziro?
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By Air: The nearest airports are Likabali and Tezpur; however, they are a little unreliable. Hence, it will be advisable to fly to Guwahati Airport or Itanagar Airport and travel to Ziro from there. Pickup and drop can be arranged from Itanagar by bus for INR 1200-2000.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Naharlagun which is 3 hours away from Ziro. You can board an overnight train from Guwahati to Ziro. Shatabdi is also an option, but it only runs three times a week. Pickup and drop can be arranged from the railway station by taxi for INR 1800-2500.
By Road: Taking a taxi from Guwahati to Ziro will take you about 7 hours via NH27 or NH15.
Besides the music fest, there are numerous other activities which enable one to explore the region and the tribe. The festival has been growing at a rapid rate and should be attended to get high on some trippy music! So grab your tickets and umbrella and make sure to not miss out on the most lively and trippy music festival of 2026.
