Benzhu Worship Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

Chinese Name:大理白族本主节
English Name: Benzhu Worship Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

The Benzhu Worship Festival (大理白族本主节) is a unique religious celebration for the Bai ethnic group in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. This festival honors the Benzhu, which refers to the local deities worshipped by each Bai village as the guardian spirits. The Benzhu can be gods, historical figures, heroes, or natural spirits, each possessing a rich legend that connects them to the community. The festival, deeply rooted in Bai religious traditions, revolves around the concept of divine protection and community cohesion.

The festival is a time for people to come together, offer prayers, express gratitude, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage through vibrant rituals, music, dance, and storytelling. The date of the festival varies based on the Benzhu’s birthday or other important dates in the local spiritual calendar.

Festival Dates and Location

Time: The Benzhu Worship Festival is celebrated on varying dates depending on the Benzhu’s birthday or other commemorative dates. The festival usually falls around Chinese New Year or during the farming breaks in the months of February, June, July, or August.

Location: The festival is celebrated in Bai villages across Dali, Yunnan Province, with each village hosting its own version of the festival based on the Benzhu they worship.

The Benzhu: The Sacred Guardian Spirits

What is Benzhu Worship?

In Bai culture, the Benzhu (本主), meaning “The Lord of the Land” or “The Great Protector,” represents a powerful protective spirit. Each village has its own Benzhu, which is revered as the highest deity, ensuring the well-being, prosperity, and safety of the community. The Benzhu can take many forms: gods, Buddhas, heroes, and historical figures, including warriors, emperors, and even natural deities like dragon kings.

The Benzhu is not simply a deity but a cultural figure that is deeply tied to Bai history, with each having its own legendary story, including elements of love, sacrifice, and heroism. The Benzhu is viewed as both a supernatural entity and a figure with human-like traits, which allows the community to connect with the divine on a deeply personal level.

Historical Origins of Benzhu Worship

The worship of the Benzhu originates from ancient beliefs in multiple gods and heroic ancestors, often linked to shamanic practices and the local agricultural lifestyle. Benzhu worship has evolved over time, incorporating elements of Buddhism, Daoism, and local folklore into the religious practices of the Bai people. The festival has its roots in pre-modern agricultural communities that relied on the divine protection of their local gods to ensure bountiful harvests, good weather, and general prosperity.

Key Festival Activities

The Benzhu Worship Festival is celebrated with a series of rituals, processions, and performances that reflect the deep spiritual beliefs and joyful cultural expressions of the Bai people.

Core Rituals of the Festival

Inviting the God

The rituals begin with the Benzhu statue being carried out from the Benzhu Temple. The statue is placed on a special palquin or decorated carriage, symbolizing the spiritual journey of the deity. The procession starts with spiritual leaders and devotees walking behind, leading the Benzhu to the center of the village.

The Grand Procession

The Benzhu is then escorted by a ceremonial parade, consisting of drums, trumpets, traditional Bai instruments, and vibrant dragon and lion dances. The villagers offer incense, prayers, and food offerings along the way. The procession is a grand display of both spiritual devotion and community pride.

Sacrifice and Prayers

The procession culminates in the temporary shrine or palace (known as the “Xinggong”), where offerings such as roasted pigs, rice cakes, and fragrant sweets are presented to the Benzhu. Villagers gather here to offer prayers, ask for blessings, and perform traditional chants and song recitals.

Entertainment for the Benzhu

The Benzhu Worship Festival is not just about solemn rituals. It also includes vibrant folk performances, such as Bai traditional plays, lion dances, dragon dances, and song duets. These performances are meant to entertain both the Benzhu and the community, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.

Cultural Highlights of the Festival

The General Cave Temple (将军洞): This temple, dedicated to the Benzhu known as Li Mi, is an exceptional example of Bai openness and inclusiveness. Li Mi, once an enemy general who attacked Dali, was later honored as a Benzhu by the local community. Despite his role as a conqueror, he is revered by the Bai people, symbolizing their forgiveness and unity. This unique case highlights the Bai people’s inclusive culture and their ability to embrace and transform historical conflicts into spiritual unity.

Folk Music and Dance: Bai folk music plays a significant role in the festival. The Dongjing music (洞经音乐) and folk songs are performed, combining religious chants with joyful folk celebrations, bringing a harmonious atmosphere to the proceedings.

Festive Performances and Activities

The Benzhu Worship Festival is a feast for the senses. In addition to the spiritual rituals, the festival includes:

Dragon and Lion Dances: These dances are performed to bring good luck and prosperity to the village.

Traditional Bai Drama: Local theater troupes perform plays that often depict the legends of the Benzhu, offering an entertaining way to learn about the spiritual and historical significance of the deity.

Singing and Dancing: Folk songs and dances are performed by both the young and the elderly, creating a sense of community togetherness and joy.

Regional Variations

Distinct Village Celebrations

Each village in Dali has its own way of celebrating the Benzhu Worship Festival, influenced by the unique Benzhu they honor. For example:

Shuanglang Town (双廊镇): Known for its grand-scale celebration, which includes a sea procession to welcome the Benzhu and a dragon dance across the water. The town’s festival is considered one of the most spectacular in the region.

Chengcun Village (宾川县): Here, the festival is celebrated with Yunnan lanterns and Bai ethnic dances, blending local customs with the Benzhu rituals.

Cultural Fusion in the Festival

Many villages include performances from other ethnic minorities, such as the Lisu and Yi people, showcasing the cultural exchange and unity within the region.

Practical Information

Transportation

From Dali City: The festival is celebrated in several villages across Dali, and getting from Dali City to the various village locations usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car. Public buses or hired vehicles can be arranged for easier access.

Best Experiences

Participate in the Rituals: Join in the procession, witness the vibrant folk performances, and enjoy the rituals at the Benzhu temple.

Taste Local Specialties: Try local Bai delicacies, including roast pig and sweet rice cakes, which are offered as sacrifices during the festival.

Experience Local Traditions: Depending on the village, you can experience unique performances, including Yunnan lanterns or the Lisu knife mountain rituals.

Festival Date Recommendations

Shuanglang Town: 14th to 16th of the 4th lunar month — Experience the sea-based Benzhu procession.

Chengcun Village: 9th of the 7th lunar month — See Yunnan-style lanterns and enjoy Bai folk performances.

The Benzhu Worship Festival is a celebration that blends spiritual devotion, community unity, and cultural expression. It offers a window into the Bai ethnic culture, highlighting their deep-rooted beliefs, traditions, and sense of community. Whether you are interested in experiencing religious rituals, folk arts, or simply learning about the Bai people’s unique spirituality, this festival is an unforgettable cultural experience that showcases the best of Yunnan’s diverse heritage.