Romancing with Romantic Ziro

WOMEN PERFORMING DAMINDA

“Saare Baadal Nichey Aa Gaye?” (All the clouds have come down). This voice message came to my friend Ramanpreet Singh Bhatia’s wife’s phone when she sent an image of a cloudy hill to her little nephew who is in Lucknow while we were visiting to Ziro valley.

Arunachal Pradesh has its own exclusive and rare variety of tradition, culture, festival, art and crafts. Each tribe has its distinct tradition and custom. The serene unexplored hills, valleys, mountains and plain fields are always worth visiting. Options are open for every tourist which are more attractive and tempting than others. Ziro in Lower Subansiri district is one of the options.

COUNTRY ROAD ( Image Courtesy Anil Dutt Sharma)

Ziro

Visiting Ziro is always a romantic affair. Its unmatched beauty and simple people never cease to please me. It always pleasantly surprises me every time I visit. Visit any season, impressive and splendid beauty will always mesmerize you.

Barrenness of agricultural fields with newly bloomed plum flowers will make your visit worthy if you are here in year’s first quarter. The valley gets completely enveloped by green paddy field in the second quarter. The third quarter will remind you of the John Keats’s line: - Ripeness is all, as the entire valley is blanketed with ripen golden paddy field followed by completely abandoned barren field with its dull look in the last quarter of the year. But does that matter because if winter comes can spring be far behind. Seasons of Ziro, for me, symbolizes the life cycle human life.

Journey

We began our journey for Ziro early in the morning from Itanagar via Yupia road and stopped to enjoy waterfall near Potin. After sometime, we moved ahead and reached Potin.

Witnessing Ranganadi dam with its majestic beauty from the view point made my colleague friends happy. We took breakfast including hot tea. We could feel the winter chill as it was drizzling.

WAY TO ZIRO

We resumed our journey. Picturesque journey and their happy faces made our journey more interesting as few of my friends were visiting the place for the first time. Though I could sense their little fear while going through twist and turns along the hilly road. We crossed Yazali town and we stopped for a while to have a glimpse of Yazali paddy field from top. The glimpse of green paddy field nestled below the mighty mountain was an amazing.

Again we resumed our journey with Bollywood numbers being played in the background. While heading towards the destination my friend’s wife Vinti felt dizziness. She almost puked due to hilly terrain. Later she informed that it was her first hilly journey. When she felt fine, we proceeded ahead and stopped at Joram top. Rain had already stopped. Bright sunny weather was pleasant. We ordered for tea. After sipping fine tea, we paid the bill, took few selfies and resumed our journey.  My friends’ excitement had doubled when they were informed that we were about to reach Ziro Valley.

Glimpse

Just before entering the Ziro valley, our senior colleague, Gyati Hangu stopped the vehicle.

RIPENESS IS ALL

All of us got down from the vehicle. Glimpse of amazing beautiful Ziro wowed my friends. They clicked more photos and sent to their friends via Whatsapp and instant replies were full of appreciation for the valley. Finally we were in the land of the Apatanis.  Glimpse of green paddy field all around, far and distant was incredible.

Ziro Valley

Ziro is small beautiful town nestled at an elevation of 1688 metres (5538 feet) to 2438 metres (8000 feet) from the sea level and district headquarters. 

PADDY FIELD IN THE MONTH OF JULY

It is a charming plain town encircled by a picturesque valley. The valley can be visited throughout the year. The weather here always remains pleasant but it’s too cold during winter.  We headed towards Ziro Valley Resort, one of the best in the valley. Yet again, we stopped in the middle of the road to take more photographs and get photographed.

HOUSES WITH BABO

My senior had booked the rooms in advance. Unfortunately, the booked rooms were not vacated by previous occupants. We were provided other rooms. Though a bit smaller, rooms were simple, clean and beautiful. Every care has been taken to make one’s stay comfortable. We ordered for lunch. In between we freshened up and got ready for exploring the places. After having delicious lunch we headed for exploring the valley.

The Apatanis are still rooted to their age old ancient beliefs. They follow the indigenous religion called Donyi Poloism; the practice of worshipping the Sun and the moon. However Christianity is also followed; without parting away with their age old culture and tradition. They are flexible in modifying the way of living if needed. They mostly speak Apatani dialect but Hindi and English languages are frequently spoken by youths. The Nyishi tribe also resides in few pockets of Hapoli area.

Romancing with the places

As I always say Ziro has never failed me to please. We went to Sub Divisional office (SDO) cum Guest House. We climbed the small hilltop. My friends were stunned by the pristine glimpse of surrounding with clean and healthy environment with green paddy field all around.

One gets the complete 360 degree view of Ziro from this hilltop.  Ziro valley is gradually emerging as a one of the most sought after tourist destinations. An annual Ziro Festival of Music organized in the month of every September is also serving to give wide publicity.

WITH HANGU'S MOTHER ( Image courtesy Anil Dutt Sharma) 

We headed for my colleague’s home in Hari village. We were impressed by his healthy and hearty old mother’s hospitality. She took one of my friends, Anil Dutt Sharma, as a foreigner due to his blonde hair and fair complexion. We bid adieu to his mother with a promise to meet her again in future!

A.B. HOLIDAYS

Later, Hangu took us to his Kiwi field amidst the jungle. Trekking to reach his Kiwi field was an amazing experience. After this tryst with nature, we went to A.B. Holidays located in Tadu Dobii area. Spending time here with sip of a cup of tea or coffee enjoying the pleasant valley below is worth million dollar experience. The panoramic view of the paddy field along with outstanding buildings from this restaurant gives exotic feeling. This restaurant is sure visit location. We enjoyed the moment of togetherness.

A. B. HOLIDAYS

Soon after, we went to for Tapang Charang in Hapoli town. Tapang Charang is famous for boating and becoming popular even among the locals. Unfortunately we could reach the place as road repairing was underway.

We immediately headed for Dillopolyang Guest House via Hong village. The view leading to the guest house was incredible though the driving was tiresome. After reaching the guest house we ordered for coffee. We enjoyed the dusk and chill wind from Guest House’s spacious terrace. Visitors are suggested to take light warm clothes even in summer season.

TAKE A REST

The breathtaking sight of the sun set here is wonderful. When it was little dark, we headed back for resort. On the way back to resort we saw village women returning to their houses from the field. Rural glimpse of women carrying firewood in their baskets is mostly seen in the posters but we eye witnessed it.

Finally, we reached the resort and took bath and ordered for tea. Though most of my friends were teetotaler but I along with Hangu took a can beer each. Hangu left for his home as his mother was waiting him for dinner. After finishing the last sip of beer, we took dinner. My friends were praising about the good food served and hospitality shown.

Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM)

MUZEEK !!

Ziro Festival of Music is an annual event held in the month of September every year and internationally popular. Organized in an open space surrounded by paddy field all around, the event is a rare opportunity for music maniac and traveler lovers in particular and moment of making memories.

RURAL  TOUR !!!

It is an opportunity when people from around the world gather here to witness the Kaleidoscope of music, food, fun, mastee and live the life one wants to. It is not only for music and travel lovers but an exceptional chance to meet friends from across the globe; togetherness of friendship, enjoyment and creating moments that last forever. Ziro Festival of Music offers a room for making memories with your loved ones and opportunity to begin friendship with the ones unknown.

It also provides an opportunity to know the age old tradition and culture of Apatani tribes from the close quarter and knowing the way of rural life. So what if it’s for couple of days, one must experience this rare opportunity when one lives life unconditionally in one’s own terms.

Villages

TRADITIONAL HOUSES

Every village in Ziro is worth visiting. Hong village is the largest village and one of the biggest in Asia. Other villages are Hari, Bulla, Bamin Michi, Mudang Tage, Hiija and Dutta. My friends were amazed by traditional bamboo houses built in linear pattern adjacent to one another giving similar looks yet different.

However, cemented houses have also come up to these villages but every modern house is built with touch of traditional design and pattern.

The people of Ziro valley have a tradition of artistic craftsmanship. Their sense of artistic beauty is apparent in their crafts. You might witness a pole erected in front of their houses with totem called Babo.

BABO

Ziro is also an ideal destination who love trekking and hiking. Talley valley Wild Life Sanctuary offers niche to eco and adventure tourism. Camping in the forests is place’s another exciting feature.

What to see?

MILLETS

If time permits, one must visit Manipolyang, Siiro, Dillopolyang, Ziro Hill, Tadu Dobii, Pine groove, Pange, Hari Rantii, Rantii Hirungbo, Taru Sukung, Doka Lapang, Dollo Mando Hill, Dussu Katu Hill, Khoter Piisa, Dora Kulu and Yapung Yapiir. Few places among these have historical importance. Taking local help or tour operator’s assistance is better option for the first timers. Taring Fish Farming Firm in Siiro village is also worth visiting.

Broadly known for cultivation of paddy cum fish culture practice in the globe, agriculture is main source of livelihood. But many have migrated to the state Capital and other metros for studies and jobs. The Apatanis mainly cultivate Paddy. They also cultivate bamboos. Besides these, they cultivate vegetable, millets and soya.

Walk in the Rain

THE SOLITARY REAPER

Next day, I woke up early in the morning. It was drizzling but didn’t care for the rain and took a walk along the road leading to Mudang Tage Village. I could see few women busy in harvesting millets. Such impressive view reminded me of William Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’. Walking along this road with paddy field on both sides was an exceptional experience. The sight also taught me something, if one has to learn the dignity of labour, the Apatanis are an epitome of dignity of hard work and labour.

Way to Sidheshwar Nath Temple

After taking breakfast and clearing our bill we headed for Shri Sidheshwar Nath Temple at Kardo Village. Discovered by a woodcutter in 2004, the Shivalinga found here is believed to be the tallest in the world. Measuring about 25 feet long, this Shivlainga is believed to be consisted of Lord Shiva’s entire family with Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya.

SIDHESWAR NATH TEMPLE ( Image courtesy Anil Dutt Sharma)

Many devotees visit this temple every day. When we reached there, we saw no one but a priest. More visitors reached the place after us. Interacting with them we came to know that they were the CRPF personnel. Few of them were from Dehradun and Himachal Pradesh. The man belonging from Dehradun became too happy when he came to know that one of my friends is from Dehradun. They interacted with each other and clicked photos and selfies. After spending some time to this serene and holy place we headed back for Itanagar taking back memories of our tryst with this blessed Romantic Ziro.

Season to Visit.

PADDY FIELD

LOCAL CUISINE

Visit any season, Ziro valley has something pleasing to glance at. The beauty of the valley will never fail to mesmerize you. So take time out of your busy schedule and experience the beauty of Romantic Ziro in Amazing Arunachal of incredible India.

How to reach

As of now only roadways is an option. Reaching Ziro valley via roadway is an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills and mountains. Daily services are available from Itanagar. Tourist can take cab, jeep or Sumo to reach the places which is around 135 kilometres away from the capital.

Where to stay?

Accommodations are available at Circuit House and Inspection Bungalow at reasonable cost. Presently many resorts have come up for the tourists. Ziro Valley Resort is most popular located in Biirii village which is just adjacent to venue for internationally famed annual Ziro Festival of Music. Many hotels and home stays are also available in the valley where visitor can stay as per their convenience.

DAMINDA DANCE

Festivals:
Dree- The Apatanis celebrate the harvest festival in the month of July. They celebrate major festival Dree festival every year on July 5. Myoko is celebrated every year in the month of March. In the month of January, they celebrate Murung. Besides these festivals, Christmas is also celebrated in a spectacular way. 

Inconvenience

WITH INNOCENT MINDS

Reaching would be tiresome for many particularly those who are not acquainted travelling via hills and mountains. So, if you love nature in its pristine glory, Ziro Valley will surely be a destination you are looking for.  Visit and take a look at this exotic valley and way of life of the people.