Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Pumi Ethnic Minority in Ninglang County, Lijiang

The Liming Mountain Festival in Ninglang County (宁蒗县) is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Pumi people. It is held grandly on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year. It is an important ceremony for the Pumi people to worship the mountain god and pray for blessings. It is also a unique platform for the people to gather, entertain, and pass on their culture.

On the day of the Liming Mountain Festival, the Pumi people gather in groups by village and head to the designated mountain to worship the mountain god. They carefully prepare the items needed for the worship, including Surima wine (苏里玛酒), milk, sacrificial noodles (祭祀面), sacrificial texts (祭文), ceremonial scarves (字巾), and paper streamers (纸幡). These items are not only essential for the worship but also carry the people’s reverence and prayers for the mountain god.

During the journey to the mountain, the participants perform the rituals of “passing through water” and “passing through smoke.” “Passing through water” involves finding a clear spring along the way, washing one’s face and hands, and even drinking a few sips, symbolizing the cleansing of dust and the purification of the body and mind. “Passing through smoke” is the act of lighting incense and using the fragrant smoke to brush over the body, praying for the protection and exorcism of evil spirits by the deities. These rituals reflect the Pumi people’s awe and respect for nature and the divine.

Upon arriving at the mountain, the traditional ceremony begins to pay homage to the Lion Mountain (狮子山), the embodiment of the goddess Ganmu (干木女神). The ceremony is presided over by respected elders, with offerings of pure water, milk, and wine, symbolizing the people’s piety and reverence for the mountain god. During the ceremony, the participants sing ancient sacrificial songs in unison, praying for the mountain god’s blessings for the people’s safety, bountiful harvests, and happiness.

After the sacrificial ceremony, the atmosphere at the venue becomes more lively. The people engage in various sports and cultural activities, such as archery, wrestling, and mountain climbing. These activities not only showcase the bravery and strength of the Pumi people but also add to the festive joy. Young men and women stroll along the Lion Mountain or socialize at the gathering, making new acquaintances and adding a romantic touch to the festival.

As night falls, people camp on the mountain, light bonfires, and gather around to dance and sing, entertaining themselves throughout the night. The firelight illuminates the smiling faces of the people, and their songs and laughter echo through the valleys, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. This unique camping experience brings the people closer to nature and strengthens the emotional bonds among them.

When descending the mountain, the participants sing melodious mountain songs and take a different route back, avoiding the original path. This traditional custom signifies “not retracing one’s steps,” symbolizing the people’s hopes for the future and their positive attitude towards life.

The Liming Mountain Festival of the Pumi people in Ninglang County is not only a religious festival for worshipping the mountain god and seeking blessings but also an important platform for gathering the community, passing on culture, and fostering emotional connections. Through this festival, the Pumi people express their reverence for nature and the divine, preserve their ancient ethnic culture, and provide opportunities for the younger generation to understand and inherit their traditional culture. With its unique charm, the Liming Mountain Festival has become an integral part of Pumi culture, attracting increasing attention and participation from people.