Taichung: The annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, recognized as one of the largest religious events globally, concluded early Monday in Taichung. The goddess' palanquin was returned to the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple over two hours later than planned, a delay attributed to the enormous turnout of attendees.
According to Focus Taiwan, the palanquin was meant to arrive at the temple in Dajia District around 11 p.m. Sunday but only reached its destination at 1:21 a.m. Monday. This delay occurred as thousands of worshipers lined up to partake in a ritual believed to bestow blessings and protection, which involves passing under the palanquin.
Upon its arrival at the temple, the three Mazu statues on the palanquin were carried into the main hall and formally enshrined, marking the conclusion of the nine-day pilgrimage. The journey spanned 340 kilometers and traversed four administrative regions in central Taiwan. On Sunday, the procession entered Dajia's urban area around 5 p.m., having crossed Shuiwei Bridge and passed through four traditional city gates en route to the temple. By nightfall, the temple's plaza and surrounding streets were filled with devotees, religious troupes, and pilgrims, with firecrackers and fireworks contributing to the celebratory environment.
Temple officials estimated that approximately 800,000 people gathered in Dajia District for the final segment of the procession, effectively transforming the area into a bustling hub. The crowd's eagerness to participate in the "crawling under the palanquin" ritual, along with numerous roadside food stations set up by residents for the pilgrims, contributed to the procession's slow pace. Upon the palanquin's arrival at the temple, the air was filled with chanting as worshipers sought to touch the statues being carried inside, hoping for blessings.
Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin, temple chairman Yen Ching-piao, and other dignitaries attended the final enshrinement ceremony. Addressing the delay, Yen explained that it was an unavoidable outcome given the crowd's enthusiasm.
This year's pilgrimage commenced on April 17, covering regions including Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi before making its return to Dajia.