This past weekend, travellers and enthusiasts gathered around the beautiful Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, to be part of and witness one of India’s most organic and joyful music and cultural festivals. Here are some pictures that portray Ziro Festival’s music culture and the quaint traditions of the Apatani people.

For those of you who don’t know, the picturesque valley is home to the Apatani community, an agrarian tribe whose relationship with nature is tender and loving. In three years, the festival has been as much about indie music as it has been about the Apatani valley and the people indigenous to it. Local dance and music go hand in hand with bigger artistes; a curious and happy mix, if you will. 

 

1.Getting there

zirofestival2

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/zirofestival)

 

2. With these views to accompany you. #nofilter

Image Courtesy : https://instagram.com/tomohabung
Image Courtesy : instagram.com/mikig2)

 

3. Campsite on fleek.

(Image Courtesy : https://instagram.com/tkamchi1)
(Image Courtesy: https://instagram.com/shoesonloose)

 

4. Of village views and cotton clouds.

Image Courtesy : https://instagram.com/pashamalwani
Image Courtesy:https://instagram.com/pashamalwani

 

5. A glorious afternoon at the day stage!

(Image Courtesy : instagram.com/zirofestival)
(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/mikig2)

 

6. Wholesome and traditional Apatani meals:  Millet liquor shots and fried freshwater fish with pickles, Rice, beef curry and boiled veg.

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/priyanka_pradhan)
(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/sudiptonayak)

 

7. Combining Apatani prints and fashion!

(Image Courtesy : ROOHI clothing/Facebook)
(Image Courtesy : ROOHI clothing/Facebook)

 

 

8. The Tetseo sisters and their talented brother are a veteran act at Ziro Festival Of Music.

(Image Courtesy: http://instagram.com/tetseosisters)
(Image Courtesy: http://instagram.com/tetseosisters)

 

9. What’s your poison? A shot of rice wine or some hot chai?

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/bombaybliss)
(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/sudiptonayak)

 

10. Digital Suicide FTW!

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/jenjumgadi)
(Image Courtesy : Nayan Deka/instagram.com/daniel_langthasa

 

 

12. Sunset vibes and gorgeous music.

(Video Courtesy: https://instagram.com/jenjumgadi)

 

13. A traditional Apatani dream catcher

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/chandrika633)

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/chandrika633)

14. Grilled spicy grasshopper is an Apatani delicacy

(Image Courtesy:instagram.com/jenjumgadi )
(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/mikig2 )

15. All in all a great time was had as depicted by these happy faces! 🙂

(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/impliedcausation/)
(Image Courtesy: instagram.com/chandrika633)

 

(Cover Image Courtesy : Nayan Deka)