"Replenish Provisions" Ritual None

Benzhu are local protector deities in the Dali area, their worship is a key element of Bai identity. Kublai Khan is the Benzhu of Yinqiao village. 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. A special ritual to 'replenish the military provisions' to Kublai Khan. The local legend holds it that the Mongol invasion of Dali restrained the evil local bandits and because of this contribution Kublai Khan became Benzhu. Another explanation is that the Mongol troops who settled here during the Yuan dynasty worshipped Kublai Khan as their ancestor and over the years of intermarriage he also became an ancestor of the local population.

See related festivals.

Festival held according to lunar calendar on 农历12月初6.