Welcoming the Benzhu 接本主

Friday, 7. February 2025 until Tuesday, 11. February 2025 in 挖色镇海印本主庙

Grand parade bringing the Benzhu into town.

Benzhu are local protector deities in the Dali area, their worship is a key element of Bai identity. In the Dali area, almost every Bai village has a Benzhu Temple, the home of a local protector spirit. These protector spirits are mostly historic figures, such as local heros, kings, generals or others who have through good deeds won the adulation of the local population. Each Benzhu usually has his own festival day, with activities varying greatly from place to place.

See related festivals.

The Benzhu are carried from Wase town to a shrine area near Xiaoputuo Island. On the 12th the Benzhu is carried to 中登, then on the 13th to 北登, on the 14th back to 挖色.
Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历1月初10.