Benzhu Festival 本主街

Friday, 7. February 2025 in 大理凤仪米总村

Benzhu festival between multiple villages

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.

This Benzhu Festival starts on the 10, when villagers from Fule come to Mizong to receive the Benzhu, on the 14 villagers from Dongshan come to Fule to receive the Benzhu, on the 17 villagers from Cihang come to Dongshan, on the 20 villagers from Jingtian village come, and finally on the 23 villagers from Mizong come to bring the Benzhu back to their village.
Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历1月初10.