Thousands gathered in Jinghong, the capital of southwest China's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, on Tuesday to celebrate the annual Water Splashing Festival, a cornerstone of Dai ethnic culture marking their New Year. The vibrant event began with a traditional ceremony along the Lancang River, where participants collected “auspicious water” believed to bring blessings for the coming year. Crowds then carried the symbolic water to the city square, igniting a joyous public celebration featuring dancing, music, and water-splashing rituals.
The festival, deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhist traditions, also included spiritual activities such as Buddha statue worship and ceremonial bathing. At dusk, the skies lit up with the release of Kongming lanterns – paper lanterns inscribed with hopes for prosperity and peace.
As one of the most well-preserved ethnic New Year observances in Asia, the festival has boosted cultural tourism in Xishuangbanna, attracting domestic and international travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion. Local authorities highlighted the event's role in fostering cross-cultural understanding while maintaining traditional practices passed down for centuries.
