The Water-Splashing Festival, also known as the “Buddha Bathing Festival” and called “Songkan Pimai” in the Dai language (which means the Dai New Year), is a traditional festival of ethnic minorities such as the Dai, Achang, Blang, Wa, and De’ang peoples. It is also one of the first batches of national intangible cultural heritages in China. The Water-Splashing Festival is usually held from April 13th to 15th every year and is the most grand and joyful festival for the Dai people.
During the Water-Splashing Festival, people dress in their finest festival attire and engage in a variety of rich and colorful activities. The main activities include:
Water-Splashing Blessing: Water-splashing is the core activity of the festival. People splash clean water on each other, symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and health. Young people also use water splashes to convey sweet love.
Buddha Bathing Ceremony: Before the Water-Splashing Festival, people clean the Buddha statues to express their respect for the Buddha and their wishes for the New Year.
“Ganbai”: One of the important activities of the Water-Splashing Festival, people gather in the square to enjoy traditional dances such as the Peacock Dance and the White Elephant Dance, and to revel in the joy brought by music and dance.At night, people will release Kongming lanterns, make wishes, and pray for peace and happiness in the coming year.
The Water-Splashing Festival is not only a feast for the eyes and senses but also an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of Dai culture. If you plan to visit Yunnan in April, consider joining this “joyful splash” and celebrating this grand festival together with the local people.