Ganbai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Chinese Name:阿昌族赶摆
English Name: Ganbai Festival of Achang Ethnic Minority
Achang Ethnic People’s religious festival, also known as the “Bazzar Festival,” is typically held once a year, but can sometimes be held every three or four years. The festival lasts for three days, usually in the eighth or ninth month of the lunar calendar. The Achang Ethnic People believe in Theravada Buddhism, so the Bazzar Festival is similar in content and form to the Dai People’s New Year Festival. The Achang Ethnic People believe that the Bazzar Festival can bring prosperity and peace to their village, and that participating in the festival is a virtuous act that will bring good fortune in the afterlife.
In preparation for the festival, people need to prepare a large amount of pork, rice, oil, paper, incense, and seven statues of Buddha. During the festival, the host village receives a large number of guests who must be treated hospitably and provided with food and accommodation. For the three days of the festival, people eat and drink at the Bazzar Festival site, resulting in a huge expense. As a result, this custom is now less common.
On the first day of the festival, people beat drums and gongs to welcome the Buddha to the temple. Once the Buddha arrives, people offer sacrifices and then spend the night celebrating. The next day is the most lively day of the festival. In the morning, people worship the Buddha and listen to the Buddha’s sermon. After breakfast, the festival begins with a parade around the village. The parade is led by several young girls carrying offerings, followed by several statues of Buddha, and a few people throwing rice flowers and setting off firecrackers. The parade continues until the afternoon. After dinner, people celebrate as usual.
On the third day of the festival, the atmosphere begins to wind down as people from outside the village begin to leave. The villagers gather in the square and erect a tall pole with flags and streamers, believing that the pole can guide people to their place in heaven. Finally, everyone gathers together for a big meal, marking the end of the Bazzar Festival.
