The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 brought more than 40 artists from India and abroad to Arunachal Pradesh’s scenic Ziro Valley from September 24 to 27. The four-day festival featured musicians from Northeast India, other parts of the country and several international destinations. Rather than following a conventional headliner format, the event placed artists from different backgrounds on a shared platform. The programme also combined independent music with Apatani cultural traditions, artist exchanges and sustainability-focused practices.
AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Manipur and Nagaland
Ziro Festival of Music 2026 Showcases 41 Acts
The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 presented 41 acts during its 13th edition in Ziro, according to organisers and local reports. The festival maintained its established approach of giving space to artists from Northeast India, the wider Indian music scene and international independent music communities.
Indian performers included established names such as Sukhbir, Sneha Khanwalkar, Midival Punditz, Shakthisree Gopalan, Shanka Tribe and Parikrama. Their presence brought several musical styles together across the four-day programme.
The line-up also featured Bihari rapper Shikriwal, Kaali Duniya, producer Karan Kanchan and Swara Oza. Classical musicians Sarwar Hussain and violinist Apoorv Krishna added further variety to the programme.
Meanwhile, the festival continued its focus on emerging and independent performers. This approach helped the event avoid relying entirely on major commercial names and instead created opportunities for musicians with different artistic backgrounds.
The organisers also maintained a collective format without a traditional hierarchy of headline performers. Consequently, the festival positioned musical discovery and interaction as central parts of the experience.
Ziro Festival of Music 2026 Highlights Northeast Talent
The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 gave strong representation to musicians from across Northeast India. Performers from several states joined the programme, reflecting the region’s growing independent music movement.
Tripura’s busker Sukesh Suklabadya featured in the line-up, while Manipur was represented by Chingleipak Collective and Yelhomie. Sikkim’s Tribal Rain, Nagaland’s Temsu Clover, Mizoram’s Mood Station and Assam’s Novo also performed.
Arunachal Pradesh itself had representation through musician David Angu. His participation connected the festival’s international programme with the musical traditions of its host state.
The regional representation also reinforced the festival’s role as a platform for Northeast artists. Instead of treating local performers as a separate addition, organisers placed them within the wider national and international programme.
Furthermore, the festival has developed an identity around independent music and cultural exchange. Its platform allows musicians from different states to meet audiences that may otherwise have limited exposure to their work.
The event therefore served not only as a concert series but also as a meeting point for the region’s diverse musical communities. That role remains significant as Northeast India continues to gain visibility within India’s independent music landscape.
Ziro Festival of Music 2026 Connects Global Music Communities
International participation remained another major feature of the Ziro Festival of Music 2026. The programme brought artists from countries including Sri Lanka, Algeria, Palestine, Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea.
Sri Lankan singer Yohani was among the international performers. Algeria’s Fati Teniri, Palestinian-French electronic producer Isam Elias, Nepal’s Phosphenes, Thailand’s GYMV, Filipino collective Talahib and South Korean act Moher also joined the festival.
The festival also expanded international cultural exchange through its Circuit Mixers programme. The initiative, supported by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, featured electronic artists Zequenx from India, Naledi Chai from South Africa, and Lua Jungck and Owelle from Switzerland.
In addition, Irish folk band Saltaire participated in a cultural residency involving workshops and collaborations with local musicians. Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi supported the programme, marking a new connection between Ireland and the festival.
For the first time, organisers also introduced “Cosmos”, an informal space for spontaneous jams, artist interactions and unscripted performances. The concept encouraged musicians and audiences to interact outside the structure of conventional stage performances.
As a result, the international programme focused on more than bringing overseas musicians to Arunachal Pradesh. It also created opportunities for artists to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop connections across musical traditions.
Ziro Festival of Music 2026 Blends Music With Apatani Culture
The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 continued to place the culture of the host Apatani community alongside its musical programme. This combination remains an important part of the festival’s identity.
The programme included the traditional Daminda harvest dance and a presentation by the Apatani Women’s Association Ziro. Visitors could also take part in workshops connected with traditional crafts, including paddy flute, or Elu, making and pottery.
These activities gave the festival a wider cultural dimension. Instead of separating music from local traditions, the event brought performances, community activities and craft practices into the same programme.
The setting also contributes to the festival’s distinctive character. Ziro Valley is known for its paddy fields, pine-covered landscapes and mountain surroundings. The festival uses that environment as part of its experience while incorporating locally sourced bamboo into its infrastructure.
Sustainability has remained another central part of the festival’s identity since its launch. Organisers have promoted locally sourced materials and community participation while creating opportunities for local artisans and residents.
The festival’s approach therefore connects music with tourism, culture and community participation. Visitors experience the performances while also encountering the landscape and traditions that distinguish Ziro from conventional urban festival venues.
Conclusion
The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 strengthened its position as a major independent music gathering in Arunachal Pradesh. Its 41-act programme brought together established Indian performers, Northeast artists and musicians from several countries.
The festival also moved beyond music through the Cosmos space, Circuit Mixers exchange and Ireland-linked cultural residency. At the same time, Apatani traditions, craft workshops and local participation remained central to the four-day event.
Ziro’s combination of independent music, cultural exchange and an environmentally conscious setting continues to give the festival a distinct identity. Its 2026 edition further highlighted how Arunachal Pradesh can serve as a meeting point for artists and audiences from across India and the world.
FAQs
What was the Ziro Festival of Music 2026?
The Ziro Festival of Music 2026 was the 13th edition of the four-day independent music festival held in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, from September 24 to 27. It featured 41 acts from India and abroad.
How many artists performed at the Ziro Festival of Music 2026?
The festival showcased 41 acts during its 2026 edition. The programme included artists from Northeast India, other parts of India and several international destinations.
Which international artists performed at Ziro?
International performers included Sri Lanka’s Yohani, Algeria’s Fati Teniri, Palestinian-French producer Isam Elias, Nepal’s Phosphenes, Thailand’s GYMV, the Philippines’ Talahib and South Korea’s Moher.
Which Northeast artists featured at the festival?
The Northeast line-up included Tripura’s Sukesh Suklabadya, Manipur’s Chingleipak Collective and Yelhomie, Sikkim’s Tribal Rain, Nagaland’s Temsu Clover, Mizoram’s Mood Station, Assam’s Novo and Arunachal Pradesh’s David Angu.
What cultural activities were included at Ziro?
The festival included the Apatani community’s Daminda harvest dance, a presentation by the Apatani Women’s Association Ziro and workshops on traditional crafts such as paddy flute making and pottery.