The recently concluded Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) in Arunachal Pradesh has provided a significant boost to the region’s tourism sector, reporting a 25-30% increase in tourist footfall this year, according to H.P. Vivek, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri.
Renowned for its unique combination of Apatani culture, diverse music, and natural splendor, the festival has managed to attract both domestic and international tourists, despite daily entry fees exceeding ₹4,000.
ZFM has emerged as a major contributor to the state’s tourism, aligning perfectly with the harvest season that showcases the lush green paddy fields of Ziro Valley. The event’s timing and attractions offer a perfect blend of cultural and natural experiences.
Deputy Commissioner Vivek also highlighted the stringent measures taken to maintain a drug-free environment during the festival. Complementing this, the administration has launched the “Plastic Free Ziro” initiative to foster environmental sustainability. Supported by Power Grid Corporation and the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ARSLM), the initiative aims to empower local Self Help Groups (SHGs) through funding for projects such as stitching traditional garments and promoting the use of handmade cloth bags. Traders found using single-use plastics will face penalties.
