2.5 Unveiling Ziro : Kiwi Wines, Cultural Odyssey and a Hidden Shiva Linga

6/3/24 Wednesday

Ziro is a beautiful hill station located 1500 metres above sea level. The place has an imposing landscape of beautiful lush green forest, rivulets and elevated patches. It is famous for paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation. The area is renowned for the terrace paddy fields where the unique system of poly-culture and water management is practiced by the local people.

Mainly inhabited by the Apatani and the Nyishi tribe, the town wears a festive look during festivals. The Apatani tribe is an indigenous community living in the Ziro Valley. They are one of the major tribal groups in the region, and their culture, customs, and unique way of life have made them a subject of interest for tourists. Apatani women are known for their tattoos and unique nose plugs, which are made of bamboo and worn through the septum. This practice was historically done to make the women less attractive to other tribes to avoid intertribal conflicts.

In the heart of Ziro, Rubiya, our local guide, orchestrated a nice blend of experiences for the day. Our journey began at the Naara-Abba winery, where a wine tasting session awaited us. Specializing in the art of Kiwi wines, we appreciated the local craftsmanship that went into each bottle.

Venturing further into the heart of Apatani culture, we stepped into a traditional home of the Apatani people. Though our quest to meet women adorned with tattoos and nose plugs proved elusive, the glimpse into their homes offered a peek into their world that is steeped in history and tradition.

We drove to the Ziro Music Festival grounds – a vast expanse that can accommodate more than ten thousand people, surrounded by picturesque paddy fields. Every September, this locale transforms into a melting pot of talent, with renowned artists converging from national and international realms.

Our journey through Ziro continued to the picturesque Seeh Lake and then the district museum, a treasure trove of Arunachal Pradesh's diverse cultures. Aged maps, revealing the territories of different tribes and their distinct means of subsistence, unfolded tales of the past. The exhibits, ranging from traditional crafts and jewelry to utensils and weapons, offered a window into the rich history that shaped this land.

In the Kardo forest, just a few kilometers away, we stumbled upon a hidden gem – the world's largest natural (swayambhu) Shiva Linga. Rising 25 feet tall and boasting a circumference of 22 feet, Siddeshwar Nath, or Siddheshwar Mahadev, stood silently amidst the breathtaking natural beauty. This marvel, nestled at an altitude of 5,754 feet, is relatively unknown outside of the North Eastern states. There is no temple here but a well, havan kund and bells have been installed in the premises.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves filled with gratitude for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Ziro.

Traveled today : 41 kms

Total distance covered : 3381 kms