Festival of the Waters

An annual festival held in Xian Chu Cha celebrating the creation of its vast canal network.
For a nation so strongly wedded to the way of stone it might seem unusual to have a celebration of water, but even the most stubborn follower of the way of stone must admit that water has its uses. The canal network has brought prosperity to Xian Chu Cha, allowing its merchants to readily move goods, the nation to move materiel for large scale construction projects, and of course to move soldiers to defend its borders. Much praise is lavished on Salasis, the goddess of water, and even He-Bo, god of the somewhat distant yellow river. The followers of the way of water naturally make the most of this opportunity to preach the strengths of their philosophy and do some recruiting.
The festival is held in most towns and cities, typically starting at midday with flowers being cast into the canals and rivers, along with folded paper boats on which are written peoples wishes for the following year. Richer people often thrown gifts into the water for the gods, and in the evening paper lanterns are lit and placed in the water to drift towards lake Tanut. Much food and alcohol is consumed, and as water represents change, it is a time of year to make resolutions to better oneself.
In addition to the annual celebrations, every six years the festival of the waters marks a day for changing politicians, and those who are elected to office must face the gruelling task of getting themselves re-elected against competition from any challengers.