Friday, 31. January 2025 in 洱源李子村等
Benzhu worship in remote Eryuan.
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.
The villages are northwest of Eryuan county town, but looking at a map they seem to be most accessible from the Qiaohou side, probably best from Shaxi.
Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历1月初3.
