When people talk about music festivals in India, Goa or Pune usually come up first. But tucked away in the lush hills of Northeast India lies a hidden gem that deserves way more attention – the Ziro Music Festival.
Set in Arunachal Pradesh’s picturesque Ziro Valley, this four-day indie music carnival is as much about celebrating local culture as it is about world-class music.
The Northeast, often underrated and underexplored, offers a breathtaking backdrop of rolling paddy fields, misty hills, and Apatani tribal hospitality – making this festival a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Since its launch in 2012, the Ziro valley music festival has built a reputation as India’s most eco-friendly and authentic music event.
Forget the corporate-sponsored, city-bound fests – here, stages are built with bamboo, rice beer flows freely, and the vibe is pure, unfiltered joy.
When is The Ziro Music Festival 2025?
The Ziro music festival 2025 date is locked in for 25th to 28th September 2025. That’s four days of live performances under the open skies of Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
Ziro Music Festival 2025 Tickets & Price
Wondering about the Ziro music festival 2025 tickets? Here’s the breakdown:
- Four-day festival pass: INR 9,000
- Single-day passes: ~INR 3,000–INR 4,000 depending on the day
Tickets are available through the official Ziro Festival website and select partner platforms.
Pro tip: Book early, because tickets sell out fast and accommodation is limited in the valley!
The Festival Vibe
The Ziro music festival in Arunachal Pradesh is unlike any other. Founded by filmmaker Bobby Hano and guitarist Anup Kutty, it blends contemporary indie music with the heritage of the Apatani tribe.
Everything is eco-conscious – bamboo stages built by locals, sustainable setups, and community participation.
It’s not a flashy, VIP-heavy fest – it’s about music, people, and place. Picture this: starry skies, artists jamming live, Apong (local rice beer) in your hand, and everyone dancing in muddy fields. Pure magic.
Line-Up: Who Will Perform at Ziro Music Festival in 2025?
This year’s lineup is as diverse as ever. Some big names and rising stars include:
- Shilpa Rao: The Bollywood playback singer known for her soulful, velvet voice brought a touch of mainstream magic to Ziro.
- Swarathma: India’s favorite folk-rock band kept the crowd buzzing with their energetic, socially conscious anthems.
- Dualist Inquiry: Pioneer of India’s electronic indie scene, he had the fields thumping with experimental beats.
- Anna Erhard: The Swiss indie-pop artist charmed the audience with her playful yet introspective songwriting.
- Barmer Boys: Rajasthan’s global folk fusion trio blended Sufi sounds with contemporary rhythms.
- Soumik Datta: The British-Indian sarod maestro fused Indian classical music with cinematic soundscapes.
- Chorun Mugli: A rising star from Arunachal Pradesh whose folk-inspired tunes connect deeply with local roots.
- Surenjit Senjam: The Manipuri musician mesmerized audiences with his unique fusion of folk traditions and modern textures.
- Buried Treasures: A fresh indie act digging deep into lo-fi, alternative, and underground sounds.
From foot-stomping folk to genre-bending electronica, the Ziro festival 2025 lineup made sure no two sets sounded the same.
Can Kids or New Artists Perform?
Yes! The fest has always encouraged inclusivity.
- Can kids perform at the Ziro music festival? Absolutely. Children and families are often part of workshops and cultural events.
- How to perform at the Ziro music festival? Artists can apply through the official website by submitting their profiles and music samples. It’s one of the best platforms for fresh indie musicians to be discovered.
How To Go To Ziro Music Festival 2025
Getting to Ziro is an adventure in itself.
- By Air: Nearest airports are Guwahati and Itanagar (Donyi Polo Airport).
- By Train: Naharlagun railway station (around 3 hours away) is your best bet.
- By Road: From Guwahati, it’s a scenic 7–8 hour drive via NH27 and NH15. Shared taxis are also available from Naharlagun and Itanagar.
Permits Required
- Indians: Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Foreign nationals: Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Make sure to sort these out in advance!
Stay & Camping at Ziro Valley Festival
Accommodation during Ziro valley music festival ranges from cozy homestays to organized campsites.
- Camping packages: INR 17,000–23,000 for 4–5 nights (includes tents, meals, and basic amenities).
- Homestays: A more immersive cultural experience, often booked months in advance.
Extra add-ons include paddy-field fishing, winery visits, and guided sightseeing tours around Ziro Valley.
Budget & Packing Tips
A 4-day trip to Ziro music festival 2025 will typically cost between INR 15,000–30,000 depending on your travel and stay.
What to pack:
- Warm clothes (nights get chilly)
- Rain gear & gumboots (mud is part of the fun!)
- ID proofs + permits
- Torch, power bank, reusable bottle
- Cash (few ATMs in the valley)
And most importantly – pack an open mind and festival spirit!
A Look Back: Ziro Music Festival 2024
To truly appreciate where we’re headed with Ziro Music Festival 2025, let’s rewind to last year’s fest:
- 11th Edition (2024 Dates): Held from 26–29 September 2024.
- Attendance: From a humble starting figure of just 150 attendees in 2012, the festival has expanded impressively – drawing over 10,000 visitors in 2024, signaling both love and growth.
- Theme & Spirit: The 2024 festival remained steadfast in championing sustainability, community, and diversity of sound – showcasing indie talent from Northeast India alongside international acts. Bamboo stages, zero-plastic initiatives, and local artisan involvement made for a lush, eco-conscious ambiance.
- Highlights from the Line-Up: Artists ranged from India’s Parikrama, Kailasa, Hanumankind, Parvaaz, and Ballimaaraan, to global names like Tamikrest (Mali), Saskia Laroo (Netherlands), Hollow Ship (Sweden), and Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band (Thailand), embodying a true international indie palette.
- Sustainability in Action: The vibe was as green as ever – bamboo-built stage structures, composting systems, zero-plastic policies, and a festival footprint that extended into sustaining the community well after the last encore.
You May Like Also: Bir Music Festival 2025
Summing Up
The Ziro Valley Music Festival 2025 is more than just a gig – it’s a cultural exchange, a green revolution, and an indie dream rolled into one.
From dancing barefoot in the fields to sipping Apong with strangers-turned-friends, it’s about letting go and living in the moment.
- Ziro festival tickets: Already on sale – grab yours now.
- Dates: 25–28 September 2025.
- Where: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.
So if you’ve been asking yourself, “When is the Ziro music festival and should I go?” – the answer is NOW and YES.
See you in the valley!
