Benzhu Worship 本主节

Friday, 15. March 2024 until Friday, 22. March 2024 in 大理上关马甲邑附近

Total of 8 days Benzhu festival.

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.

On the 6th the Benzhu is brought from 溪长 village to 马甲, where the main Benzhu festival is on the 8th. This is also the occasion of an agricultural fair, which apparently now is held in Shaba, because there is more space. On the 11th the Benzhu is brought to 大邑 until the 13th.
Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历2月初6.