Holy Fish Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority in Menglian County, Puer

Overview of The Festival

Chinese Name: 孟连娜允镇傣族神鱼节
English Name: Holy Fish Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority in Menglian County, Puer
Location: Menglian County
Time: April 10th to 13th.

The “Shenyu Festival” is a festival held in the Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County of Pu’er City, Yunnan Province. It is a celebration for people to express gratitude for the blessings brought to humanity by the “divine fish.” This festival is also an original ecological ethnic cultural tourism project. It is known as the “Oriental Water Carnival” and is one of the most distinctive festive activities in Yunnan Province.

Origin

According to legend, a long time ago, the Buddha sent a divine fish to Menglian to deliver rice seeds. Unfortunately, on the way, it was caught by a devil, who roasted it over a fire. The fish’s body curled up from the heat, and one of its eyes bulged out. At that moment, the divine fish suddenly remembered its mission to deliver the rice seeds and desperately escaped from the devil’s grasp, jumping into the river to deliver the seeds to Menglian. To this day, the divine fish bears marks of having been burned, with its eyes appearing white, one eye bulging out, and its tail curled. With the arrival of the rice seeds, the lives of the people in Menglian improved greatly, but it was still not perfect. Soon after, the Buddha sent the divine fish along with ferns to Menglian to enrich the lives of its people. Thus, in gratitude for the Buddha’s blessings, every April, people joyfully fish and celebrate, and the Shenyu Festival has been passed down through generations.

In ancient times, the “Shenyu Festival” was the happiest day for the common people because it was a day when the local chieftain allowed fishing in the restricted rivers. Therefore, the “Shenyu Festival” became the liveliest festival in Menglian County.

Development

The Shenyu Festival is held annually from April 10th to 13th in the Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County of Pu’er City, Yunnan Province. Every year, with the arrival of the Dai New Year, people chant scriptures to honor the “divine fish” and conduct religious rituals such as releasing fish, hoping that the “divine fish” will bring continuous blessings to humanity.

Social Impact

The Shenyufe Festival, with its originality, uniqueness, and distinctive carnival charm, has been widely welcomed by the public. It has particularly had a significant impact on neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Thailand, attracting an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists to Menglian. The recognition of Menglian is also continuously expanding. Some have described the Shenyufe Festival as one of the most creative festivals in the world, comparable to global carnivals like Spain’s Tomatina.

In 2008, it was awarded as one of the “Top Ten Ethnic Carnivals in Yunnan Province.” The successful hosting of the Shenyufe Festival has enriched the tourism products of Menglian County, forming intangible cultural tourism projects in the area and creating a new economic growth point for the tourism industry in Menglian County. This has strongly promoted the vigorous development of the tourism industry in Menglian County. Thus, it can be seen that the Shenyufe Festival is set to become a highly influential tourism brand not only in Yunnan Province but also in China.

Key Activities the Festival:

  1. Ritual Offerings: The festival begins with rituals that include offering food, flowers, and fruits to the holy fish as a sign of respect and gratitude. This is often accompanied by prayers for a good harvest and prosperity.
  2. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are integral to the celebrations. Dai folk songs and dances are performed, showcasing the vibrant culture of the Dai people and often involving community participation.
  3. Parades and Processions: Festivities often include colorful parades featuring participants dressed in traditional Dai clothing. These processions usually highlight the importance of fish in the local culture and the connection between the community and nature.
  4. Fishing Competitions: In some variants of the festival, fishing competitions may be held, where locals compete to catch fish in a spirit of friendly rivalry. These competitions can also serve as a means of reinforcing community bonds.
  5. Delicious Cuisine: Food is a major aspect of the festival, with various local dishes, especially those prepared with fish, being served during the celebrations. It is an opportunity for people to gather, share meals, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
  6. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival may also feature exhibitions of local crafts, artworks, and traditional clothing, providing visitors with insights into the Dai culture and heritage.
  7. Community Engagement: The Holy Fish Festival fosters a sense of community as people come together to celebrate their shared traditions. It serves as a way to strengthen cultural identity and pass on traditions to future generations.