Yunnan is the most ethnically diverse province in China. A traditional festival is a chance for the different ethnic groups to learn about each other. One of the most famous events is the Dai people's Water-Splashing Festival. Many Southeast Asian countries also celebrate similar festivals, such as Cambodia(called "Songkran") and Thailand.

The History of the Dai Water-Splashing Festival in Yunnan

The Water-Splashing Festival, once a religious ceremony in Indian Brahmanism, was later absorbed by Buddhism and transmitted to the Dai region in Yunnan Province via Myanmar. The Water-Splashing Festival has been passed down as a national custom and has a history of seven hundred years. Dai people, who often consider the Water-Splashing Festival as a time to pay tribute to water, rivers and the fertile land that have nurtured their culture. Dai often call themselves a people of water. By splashing water on each other, people want to wash away all the bad luck from the previous year and welcome the new year of happiness and good fortune. It is believed that all the bad things must be thrown away on this very special day. So,the wetter, the luckier.

Dai Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna,China's Yunnan Province

The Water-Splashing Festival is the New Year for the Dai people, which is called "Sangkanpbimai". It falls roughly between April and May in the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, it is known as the Festival for Bathing the Buddha, and typically lasts for three days.

Before the water-splashing revelry begins, there are all sorts of celebratory performances, dragon  boatracing, beautiful dances, songs and processions. As soon as the Water-Splashing Festival arrives, people get very excited. Everyone would dress up for the event. For all the boys and girls, It is more like a romantic rendezvous for the young.

"Water" is a unique way of sending blessings to the Dai people on New Year's Day. Getting soaked during the Water-Splashing Festival means you'll be happy your whole life. The more you're soaked, the more blessings you receive. Getting wet in this festival is not to hurt others; the water is blessed, and all the good wishes are in it. This is how people express their feelings and wishes for the future.

It doesn't matter where you are from or who you are; you can splash all you want and savor the carefree joy of this moment.

As night falls, countless Kongming lanterns begin to float into the sky along the Lancang River, like what you would see in a fairy tale. People gather and share their heartfelt wishes as they usher in the New Year together.