Ziro Festival is, perhaps the first and only festival in India, made almost completely from locally sourced eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wood which is reused every year. All infrastructure including the two stages are painstakingly handmade by local Apatani artisans over 40 days before the festival. The festival also encourages sustainability practices, including the zero-plastic policy, and waste reduction measures such as composting. The festival is held on community land which is left pristine after the festival.

piilo stage ziro festival

The festival implements sustainability practices, embracing a green philosophy that respects and preserves the natural environment. Bamboo, an abundant local resource, is extensively utilized in constructing the festival’s infrastructure. Local Apatani artisans, with their extensive knowledge and skills, are involved in building these structures, thus promoting local culture and sustainable practices. Instead of plastic cutlery, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, the festival opts for Tamul plates and leaves, which are biodegradable. The event eliminates flex hoarding and discourages the use of single-use plastic, making a commendable effort to reduce plastic pollution. Instead, signages are ingeniously crafted from reclaimed wood and painted with eco-friendly paint, further reducing the festival’s environmental footprint. Water, a necessity for any festival attendee, is provided free of charge, with the festival encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottles to minimize waste. In the same vein, drinks at the festival are served in bamboo mugs, a sustainable alternative to single-use cups. 

 

Sustainability Initiatives