Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Imminent; President Lai Cleans Palanquin and Prays for Taiwan's Blessings
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te participated in the departure ceremony for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage to Beigang Chaotian Temple, cleaning the palanquin and praying for Taiwan's peace and public well-being. This year's pilgrimage is expected to attract over 460,000 participants, indicating a growing scale.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 12, 2026 at 21:15
- 🔍 Collected: April 12, 2026 at 22:00 (45 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 09:27 (11h 26m after Collected)
The Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage from Gongtian Temple in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, to Beigang Chaotian Temple is scheduled to begin at 11:55 PM, embarking on an 8-day, 7-night journey once preparations are complete. Devotees, known as "xiangdengjiao," have been pouring into Baishatun since early morning, and by evening, the areas around Gongtian Temple and the alleys were already bustling with crowds.
In previous years, in addition to the main Mazu statue (Da Mazu) from Gongtian Temple, the nearby Shanbian Mazu also participated in the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage. Starting this year, the Mazu of the rotating head of household at Gongtian Temple will also join the procession. President Lai, wearing this year's light green pilgrimage attire and an arm patch, first visited Shanbian Mazu Temple and then Gongtian Temple to offer prayers. Along the way, many devotees enthusiastically shouted, "Hello, President!"
Upon arriving at Gongtian Temple, President Lai was guided by temple staff to perform the palanquin cleaning ceremony for the "Pink Supercar" Mazu palanquin. He then, along with Gongtian Temple Chairman Hung Wen-hua, moved the bathed and dressed Da Mazu and the Mazu of the rotating head of household from their shrines. Subsequently, he delivered a speech in front of the temple, accompanied by Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung, as well as DPP-nominated Miaoli County Magistrate candidate Chen Pin-an, New Taipei City Mayor candidate Su Chiao-hui, Taichung City Mayor candidate Ho Hsin-chun, Nantou County Magistrate candidate Wen Shih-cheng, Changhua County Magistrate candidate Chen Su-yueh, and several party officials.
President Lai stated that the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has grown increasingly large, with over 460,000 people signing up to participate this year, indicating that the events jointly organized by the temple are getting better and the Mazu's divine power is becoming more manifest.
President Lai said he was honored to represent the public in sending Mazu off to Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin for the pilgrimage, praying for a smooth pilgrimage this year and for every "xiangdengjiao" to walk in peace, joy, and happiness. He further wished blessings for all citizens and Taiwan.
President Lai mentioned that southern Taiwan experienced earthquakes and typhoons last year, causing damage, and thanked all citizens for assisting in disaster relief efforts. Today, he specifically came to Gongtian Temple to pray for Mazu to display her divine powers, bless Taiwan with national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and ensure all counties and cities in Taiwan, including Miaoli County, are free from disasters throughout the year and their families are safe. (Editor: Chang Ya-Ching) 1150412
In previous years, in addition to the main Mazu statue (Da Mazu) from Gongtian Temple, the nearby Shanbian Mazu also participated in the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage. Starting this year, the Mazu of the rotating head of household at Gongtian Temple will also join the procession. President Lai, wearing this year's light green pilgrimage attire and an arm patch, first visited Shanbian Mazu Temple and then Gongtian Temple to offer prayers. Along the way, many devotees enthusiastically shouted, "Hello, President!"
Upon arriving at Gongtian Temple, President Lai was guided by temple staff to perform the palanquin cleaning ceremony for the "Pink Supercar" Mazu palanquin. He then, along with Gongtian Temple Chairman Hung Wen-hua, moved the bathed and dressed Da Mazu and the Mazu of the rotating head of household from their shrines. Subsequently, he delivered a speech in front of the temple, accompanied by Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung, as well as DPP-nominated Miaoli County Magistrate candidate Chen Pin-an, New Taipei City Mayor candidate Su Chiao-hui, Taichung City Mayor candidate Ho Hsin-chun, Nantou County Magistrate candidate Wen Shih-cheng, Changhua County Magistrate candidate Chen Su-yueh, and several party officials.
President Lai stated that the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has grown increasingly large, with over 460,000 people signing up to participate this year, indicating that the events jointly organized by the temple are getting better and the Mazu's divine power is becoming more manifest.
President Lai said he was honored to represent the public in sending Mazu off to Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin for the pilgrimage, praying for a smooth pilgrimage this year and for every "xiangdengjiao" to walk in peace, joy, and happiness. He further wished blessings for all citizens and Taiwan.
President Lai mentioned that southern Taiwan experienced earthquakes and typhoons last year, causing damage, and thanked all citizens for assisting in disaster relief efforts. Today, he specifically came to Gongtian Temple to pray for Mazu to display her divine powers, bless Taiwan with national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and ensure all counties and cities in Taiwan, including Miaoli County, are free from disasters throughout the year and their families are safe. (Editor: Chang Ya-Ching) 1150412