Baishatun Mazu to Bestow Blessings in Chiayi During National Day Holiday; Mayor Huang Min-hui Invites Devotees to Welcome the Deity

(Central News Agency reporter Huang Kuo-chang, Chiayi City, October 17) Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui and the Baishatun Gongtian Temple from Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, jointly announced today at Dafu Hsing Temple that the Baishatun Mazu will once again visit Chiayi to bestow blessings on October 9 and 10. Mayor Huang invited devotees to welcome the deity during this time and experience the compassionate protective power of Mazu.

In a press release, Mayor Huang stated that the Baishatun Mazu is one of Taiwan’s most representative folk beliefs. The annual pilgrimage on foot not only demonstrates deep religious devotion but also unites the warmth and goodness of society. This year, the number of participants in the foot pilgrimage exceeded 460,000, reflecting the profound spiritual energy and cultural influence of the faith.

Mayor Huang explained that in the past, she was invited by Dafu Hsing Temple to visit Baishatun Gongtian Temple and present a ceremonial plaque, after which the Baishatun Mazu agreed to visit Chiayi. In 112 (2023), the Baishatun Mazu visited Chiayi City to bestow blessings, with residents lining the streets to welcome the procession. In January of this year, she visited Gongtian Temple again for incense offerings and once again received the divine promise that Mazu would visit Chiayi during this year’s National Day holiday.

Mayor Huang expressed that the city government will welcome the October Baishatun Mazu zhanjing (blessing procession) with the greatest joy and most thorough preparations.

Hong Wen-hua, chairman of Baishatun Gongtian Temple, stated that after completing the route inspection for the Chiayi zhanjing blessing procession, the exact time and route will be jointly announced with the Chiayi City Government. He also invited the public to participate and celebrate together. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150617