The Water Splashing Festival, known as “Sangkan Bimai” in the Dai dialogue, meaning the Dai New Year. It is the most important and vibrant celebration for Dai minority. It is also the busiest time of the year in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, where locals and visitors all celebrate this grand traditional festival together.
Originating from Brahmanism in India, the Water Splashing Festival later incorporated elements of Buddhism and was introduced to southwestern China through India, Myanmar, and other regions. Once rooted in southern Yunnan, it evolved and merged with the region’s diverse cultures, giving birth to myths and legends that are uniquely tied to the local ethnic groups.
This year, the festival will take place from 14th to 16th of April, offering a three-day celebration of joy and blessings through the ritual of water splashing. It’s a time when people of all ages and backgrounds participate in the fun, armed with small buckets and water-guns, ready to splash water on everyone they encounter – whether friends or strangers. This nationwide water-splashing carnival has become an irresistible tradition, filled with laughter, excitement and a sense of community that brings people together from all walks of life.
The Water Splashing Festival is a celebration brimming with excitement and tradition. While water splashing takes center stage, the traditional customs of the festival in Xishuangbanna offer even more to explore. From Dragon Boat rowing to Gan Bai (traditional Dai open market), the festival also includes Gao Sheng fireworks, the release of water lanterns, and the Danfo and Yufo ceremonies (a ceremony of worshipping Buddha and washing Buddha figures in reverence). With such a wide array of activities, the Water Splashing Festival offers not only the joy of the water splashing, but also a deep dive into Dai cultural traditions and celebrations.
Start your day with the “Gan Bai” morning market, a lively open-air market held in every village, where you can dive into the local Dai specialties and savor fruits and melons that are typically hard to find. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the aroma and flavors of Dai-style barbecue, watching vendors prepare skewers in front of the bustling food booths.
Immerse yourself in grand ethnic cultural performances, showcasing the songs and dances of the Dai, Hani and Bulang minorities. Feel the vibrant charm of Xishuangbanna’s diverse ethnic cultures as the air fills with music, colorful costumes and lively rhythms.
The carnival parade is one of the most spectacular highlights of the Water Splashing Festival and a must-see experience. Dai carnival floats are an integral part of Dai traditional culture, symbolizing joy, cultural heritage and the festive spirit of Dai locals. The vibrantly designed floats are exquisitely decorated with bright colors, traditional Dai patterns, flowers and ribbons, capturing the attention of all who see them. The floats showcase the unique charm of Dai culture, while carrying the blessings and joy of the locals.
This year, celebrate the Dai New Year and experience the vibrant Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna! Immerse yourself in traditional customs, ethnic performances and a joyous carnival, as we mark the origin of Dai New Year in 1387 on Dai calendar.
Below are some of the highlighted activities and itineraries you might be interested:
Gan Bai (Traditional Market)
Visit Lao Geng’s Dai Family for Dai New Year Celebration
Dates: April 12-15, 2025
Time: 16:00-21:00 daily
Location: Manjingbao Residents’ Group, Manzhanzai Community, Gasa Street, Jinghong City
Ethnic Traditional Gan Bai Market
Dates: April 13-14, 2025
Time: All day
Location: Pedestrian path between the new and old bridges beside the Lancang River in Jinghong City and Manting Royal Garden
Traditional Dragon Boat Rowing
Date: April 13, 2025
Time: 13:00-16:30
Location: Lancang River, in front of the Lancang River Viewing Platform, Jinghong City
Folk Art Performances
Peacock Stand Dance & Elephant Foot Drum Dance
Date: April 14, 2025
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: Mantingyu Garden, Jinghong City
Ethnic Cultural Performances
Date: April 14, 2025
Time: 8:30-11:30
Location: Main streets and Water Splashing Squares in Jinghong City
Splashing Water Carnival
Water Taking Ceremony
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 9:00-10:30
Location: Middle of Xinlao Bridge on the south bank of the Lancang River, Jinghong City
Splashing Water Carnival
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 11:00-16:00
Location: Jinghong City Water Splashing Square & Main Streets of Jinghong City
Experience Xishuangbanna’s Water Splashing Festival like never before, with immersive cultural performances, ancient traditions, and a water-splashing carnival that brings people from all over the world together to celebrate the Dai New Year. Join in the joyous splashing with locals and visitors – an unforgettable adventure awaits!
Image Sources: Mengla Committee Propaganda Department, Yunnan Provincial Committee Propaganda Department, Xishuangbanna Committee Propaganda Department, Dai Nationality Culture Park, Hiking Earth, Zhang Xi