How do you truly embrace the essence of joy, feel the freedom and rewind to let go off all stress? I got my answer in the remote Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh while camping with Kite Manja during the Ziro Festival of Music. It was a free world where the only thing bartered was happiness and good vibes. My soul danced to the tunes of acoustic guitar, my feet loved those long walks that opened to the nuances of the valley and all around me, the happy faces of the hosts magnified the whole experience.
Why Ziro Music Festival?
Ziro Music Festival is not just another festival but a pure awakening of your spirit. The stage set atop a hillock surrounded by golden paddy fields as far as eyes can see brings the sleepy valley alive. The nuances of the majestic remote valley will leave you in awe, dancing to the music by artists from across the country and some international.
Indeed, for all the right reasons, it is one of the coolest and trending music festivals of the country. The 4-day festival is a celebration of music performed by independent artists, fresh music from a confluence of genres including local folk music to jazz, rap, electronic, rock, EDM, etc. A kaleidoscopic mix of soul fluttering and eccentric music, art, culture and the bliss of dawn lit mountains makes Ziro Valley a quintessential destination for a music festival, so unique and high on life.
The remoteness of the valley brings together like-minded people from across the country. The music festival is well organized and there is hardly anybody bothering anyone. The freedom to celebrate life with a good blend of music, nature and building universal connection, makes the festival different. The emotions cannot really be expressed; it needs to be felt by being present at the festival.
Know about an Ultimate Itinerary for Ziro Festival of Music – http://blog.kitemanja.com/ultimate-ziro-festival-of-music-itinerary/
Why Camping with Kite Manja?
A lot of your experience also depends on where you stay during the festival. I chose to camp with Kite Manja after an overwhelmingly amazing vibe during Hornbill Festival. These guys definitely know to smile through all the anxiety.
The tagline for Kite Manja read – “The happiest campsite” and there is a reason they call them happiest. There are streams of happiness and positivity that air the campsite. Tucked in the forbidden valley, amidst the golden rice paddy fields and surrounded by the majestic mountains adorned with Pine trees, the campsite of Kite Manja was a gateway to a profound love of nature. I remember waking up every morning to the nip in the air and staring at the awe-inspiring picturesque landscape of Ziro. And the hospitality – no matter how many long hours have these guys from Kite Manja worked, they always welcome you to the abode with a smile.
A complete ZFM package is provided by Kite Manja that includes everything right from accommodation, Inner Line Permit, transport, festival passes and food coupons for breakfast and dinner.
The experience of the festival is magnified by choosing to stay with Kite Manja, undoubtedly no one can beat their after event fun session – with a lot of jamming, good old school music, fun, frolic and tons of laughter.
Camping with Kite Manja means reliving good old nostalgia with old school bonfire fun, some old melodies and musicians jamming together around the fire. The after event bonfire sessions and melodies by amazing artists staying at camp is the major highlight. Every single night after the event was even more eventful with music flowing like a warm wrap in the cold windy night. As everyone snuggles around the fire, the warmth of togetherness continues to bond everyone like family. Not a single night went by dull – I must say “There is never a dull moment with Kite Manja camps”. This vibe is not only during Ziro Music Festival but also during the wintry nights of the Hornbill Festival.
In the wilderness, often people are scared of the washroom part but not if you stay with Kite Manja. The only camp in Ziro Music Festival to have permanent concrete set up for washrooms. This means no more struggling with the washroom tents, laboring with buckets of water and peaceful submission to nature call.
Enjoy the spectacular valley in the most authentic way through village walks and local trips organized by Kite Manja.
The security and safety is their responsibility and they make sure that their guests have a good time without worrying about anything.
The food served at Kite Manja is delicious, simple and homely, but served warm. After having a gala time dancing at musical events, a warm supper awaits at the campsite. The breakfast and dinner are all served within the campsite and every day brings you different menu on the plate. The tree-house was one of the major highlights of last year with an assortment of rice beer available along with some snacks and chips.
I am extremely delighted with Kite Manja for their hospitality and the good vibes. Camping with Kite Manja in itself is an event with an amalgamation of artists and creative heads cherishing life and celebrating little moments. Ziro Music of Festival and the whole experience of the musical entourage magnifies by the good camaraderie of the folks at Kite Manja. Make sure to live the festival by staying with the happiest and the oldest campsite. I totally loved my stay; they make sure the guests feel at home.
Hailing from Guwahati, Assam, Upasana Kakati is a teacher, an avid traveler, and a blogger. She has perfectly balanced her professional and traveling life to set into a voyage of travel for a lifetime. Upasana writes about her travel experiences on her blog ‘Unconventional and Vivid’.
