Haideng Lantern Festival or Haidenghui of Cibihu Lake in Eryuan County, Dali
Introduction of The Festival
- Chinese Name:洱源县茈碧湖海灯会
- English Name: Haideng Lantern Festival or Haidenghui of Cibihu Lake in Eryuan County, Dali
- Location: Eryuan County, Dali Prefecture
Every year on the 23rd day of the 7th lunar month, the main temple fair for Longwang Duan Laosan at He Tou of Cibi Lake is held. Bai people from Eryuan, Dengchuan, Dali, Yangbi, Jianchuan, and other areas gather at the Longwang Temple at He Tou of Cibi Lake. During the day, they burn incense and worship the deity, as well as enjoy performances and song contests. In the evening, a bonfire party is held in the open space in front of the temple, where the Yi ethnic group performs their traditional dance, followed by the release of lanterns into the water.
In recent years, in order to develop the tourism resources of Cibi Lake, a cultural temple fair (also known as the Cibi Lantern Festival) has been carefully organized by “Hailong Amusement Park,” with the activities becoming more diverse and colorful each year. During the three-day temple fair, various events take place, including amateur artistic performances, cave music performances, folk song competitions, dragon boat races, and swimming contests. The organizers have also meticulously created thousands of sea lanterns, which come in various forms and have unique features, including lotus lanterns, koi lanterns, phoenix lanterns, and dragon king lanterns.
At night, fishermen along the lake row their wooden boats to the front of the main temple, carrying the sea lanterns that were prepared earlier in the morning. Amid the sound of firecrackers, a highly respected elder from the village lights the first dragon king lantern with a Dragon King flag and solemnly places it in the center of the lake. Subsequently, the sea lanterns from all the boats are lit one after another and slowly drift toward the center of the lake, creating a dazzling sight as thousands of lanterns shine brightly, sparkling like stars that have fallen into the water.
Visitors and local Bai youths gather on small boats and in the hills and woods to sing Bai love songs, enjoying themselves throughout the night. Additionally, some pairs of lovers connect through mountain songs, ultimately becoming partners.
The Local Activities of The Festival
- Lantern Release: One of the main highlights of the festival is the release of beautifully crafted lanterns into the waters of Cibi Lake. These lanterns come in various forms, often representing local cultural symbols, such as lotus flowers, koi fish, and other motifs that reflect the heritage of the Bai ethnic group.
- Cultural Performances: The festival features a range of cultural performances, including traditional music, dance, and theatrical presentations. Local artists and performers showcase their talents, often incorporating traditional Bai music and other regional styles.
- Song Contests: Singing competitions are a common feature, where participants engage in traditional Bai folk songs. These contests not only showcase musical talent but also encourage community interaction and participation.
- Dragon Boat Races: During the festival, dragon boat racing may also take place, fostering a competitive spirit and camaraderie among teams. These races are often accompanied by cheering crowds and traditional rituals.
- Bonfire Parties: In the evenings, bonfire parties are held where attendees gather to enjoy food, music, and dance. This lively atmosphere encourages socializing and celebration, often featuring traditional Bai games and activities.
- Culinary Delights: Local food stalls offer a variety of traditional Bai delicacies, allowing visitors to experience the flavors of the region. This includes specialty dishes made from local ingredients.
- Worship and Rituals: The festival often includes religious ceremonies in honor of local deities, where participants burn incense and offer prayers at temples. This spiritual aspect highlights the cultural significance of the festival.
- Community Involvement: The Haideng Lantern Festival is a communal event that fosters a sense of belonging and identity among local residents. Many families participate in the preparations, making it a collaborative effort that strengthens community ties.
