Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: The much-anticipated Ziro Festival has announced the artist lineup for its 11th edition, set to take place from 26th to 29th September, 2024. Known for its eclectic mix of genres and immersive experiences, the festival continues to be a beacon for music lovers and artists from around the world.
The festival-goers will experience a kaleidoscope of sounds, rhythms, and performances across three captivating stages: Donyi (Sun) Stage, Polo (Moon) Stage, and the two-year old Takar (Star) Stage dedicated to electronic music. Apart from these, the Popi Sarmiñ Creative Space will also host a variety of engaging workshops. The festival provides a vibrant haven for discovering emerging artists. From indie bands to experimental acts, the festival showcases a diverse array of musicians, making it the perfect place to discover new music.
MC Altaf performing at the Polo Stage, Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Storytelling workshop in progress at Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Lope Romin)
This year’s lineup features an exciting blend of talent, including the energetic and versatile DJ sets of Aayna from Kolkata and the innovative live performances of Delhi’s Alboe. Adding to the cultural tapestry, Dr Ramprasad from Chennai will bring his profound musical heritage to the stage. Local talent shines brightly with artists such as Carolina Norbu from Arunachal Pradesh and the Dobom Doji Collective, who represent the rich musical traditions of the region. Mizoram’s Benjamin Sum and H.O.M. will showcase their distinctive styles, adding to the festival’s diverse soundscape.
Chaar Diwaari performing at the Polo Stage, Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Farhan Akhtar performing at the Polo Stage, Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
From Mumbai, Kailash Kher’s Kailasa, Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan, Hanita Bhambri and Saniya MQ will deliver powerful performances, complemented by the electronic prowess of Spryk. Bengaluru’s music scene will be well-represented by Dynamite Disco Club’s vibrant DJ set, the soulful sounds of Strings Attached, Parvaaz and the genre-smashing rapper Hanumankind. Goa’s Flux Vortex and Shantam will bring their innovative live acts, while Pink Moss and Riverglass will enchant with their unique musical expressions. The festival will feature performances by artists like Fakira from Kolkata and Gowwli from Kerala, each bringing their own regional influences and styles. Additionally, the event will include experimental acts like Tyrell Dub Corp X Shaun Moses from Delhi and Goa, pushing the boundaries of live electronic music. The festival will also spotlight a variety of collaborations and hybrid performances. Amrit X Uddhav from Chennai will deliver an engaging hybrid live set, while Delhi’s Hamza Rahimtula teams up with the Rajasthan Folkstars for a mesmerizing live fusion of electronic and traditional sounds.
Laxmi Bomb performing at Polo Stage at Ziro Festival 2022 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Himali Mou performing at Donyi Stage at Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Lope Romin)
Global Artists Will Make a Mark
Representing the international scene, Singapore’s Amateur Takes Control will captivate audiences with their intricate instrumentals, while Bottlesmoker from Indonesia promises a unique bio-plant sonic meditation set and a dynamic live show. Sweden’s Hollow Ship and Thailand’s Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band will add a global flavor, alongside the eclectic sounds of Israel’s Modest Crow and the Netherlands’ Saskia Laroo. The lineup also includes Mali’s Tamikrest, promising to deliver an unforgettable performance with their captivating desert blues.
Leon Somov and Dileta performing at Polo Stage at Ziro Festival 2022 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra performing at the Polo Stage, Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Explore the Culture at Ziro
The Ziro Festival of Music offers more than just captivating performances—it provides a truly holistic experience. Attendees can indulge in local cuisines, explore traditional arts and crafts, and participate in community learning workshops, all while immersing themselves in the rich culture of the Apatani tribe. Families and children can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including storytelling, painting and crafts workshops, yoga and meditation sessions, and dance and movement classes. Additionally, visitors can learn to make and play the indigenous Apatani flute (elu) from paddy straw. One of the festival’s highlights is the unique community performance of Daminda, a traditional Apatani dance performed by over 800 women, offering a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the region.
Apatani women performing Daminda at Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Food stalls serving delectable local cuisine (Photo Credits: Mohit Sharma)
Sustainability at Ziro
Sustainability lies at the heart of the Ziro Festival, guiding every aspect of the celebration. From minimising waste through recycling initiatives and biodegradable materials to promoting eco-friendly practices such as using locally sourced bamboo for all structures and no-single use plastic policy, the festival is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. The partnerships with local communities ensure that they support and respect the natural beauty of the Ziro Valley, preserving it for future generations. By prioritising sustainability, the festival aims to inspire the attendees to adopt responsible practices and contribute positively to the environment.
Waste Segregation Point at Ziro Festival 2023 (Photo Credits: Lope Romin)
As the festival celebrates 11 years of cultural exchange, artistic expression, and sustainability, it promises to be an event of monumental significance. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or someone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, Ziro welcomes you with open arms. Keep coming back.
The festival is scheduled to take place in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh from 26th to 29th September 2024. Book your tickets, stay and travel on www.zirofestival.com
Full lineup, below:
Alboe (Delhi)
Amateur Takes Control (Singapore)
AMRIT X UDDHAV (Hybrid Live)(Chennai)
Babloo Babylon (Delhi)
Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project (Mumbai)
Benjamin Sum (Mizoram)
Bottlesmoker (Indonesia)
Carolina Norbu (Arunachal Pradesh)
Dabzee (Kerala)
DJ Aayna (Kolkata)
DJ Dynamite Disco Club Showcase (Bengaluru)
Dobom Doji Collective (Arunachal Pradesh)
Dr. Ramprasad (Chennai)
Fakira (Kolkata)
Flux Vortex (Goa)
G Force (Sikkim)
Gowwli (Kerala)
H.O.M. (Mizoram)
Hamza Rahimtula x Rajasthan Folkstars (Delhi/Rajasthan)
Hanita Bhambri (Mumbai)
Hanumankind (Bengaluru)
Hollow Ship (Sweden)
Jamna Paar (Delhi)
Jay Pei (Delhi)
Kailasa (Mumbai)
Modest Crow (Israel)
Murder in Space (Meghalaya)
Niladri Kumar (Mumbai)
Parallel Voices (Chennai)
Parikrama (Delhi)
Parvaaz (Bengaluru)
Pink Moss (Goa)
Riverglass (Goa)
Sadagar Debbarma (Tripura)
Saniya MQ (Mumbai)
Sarthak Mudgal (Delhi)
Saskia Laroo (Netherlands)
Shantam (Goa)
Shaun Moses & Film Presents: MO/SS (Delhi/Goa)
Shrii (Hyderabad)
Solace Her (Manipur)
Spryk (Mumbai)
Stalvart John x Arun Sivag (Bengaluru)
Strings Attached (Bengaluru)
Sushant KC (Nepal)
Tamikrest (Mali)
Teesta Troupers (West Bengal)
The Gluttones (Nagaland)
The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band (Thailand)
Also Read | Arunachal: How Ziro Festival became a cultural phenomenon in NE
Like every year, the list of artists looks promising this year too. Taba Chake and Chorun Mugli performances in the previous editions were amazing.
Can’t wait to experience the energy of Hanumankind’s performance this year.