Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage Departs on April 12, Registrations Reach 450,000

The Tongxiao Township Office today held a press conference for the "2026 Protecting the People and Securing the Border, Hearts United" Baishatun Mazu Cultural Series activities in front of the Gongtian Temple. Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, Gongtian Temple Chairman Hung Wen-hua, Beigang Chaotian Temple Chairman Tsai Yung-te, and Tongxiao Township Mayor Chang Ke-hsin attended, kicking off the annual pilgrimage to Beigang. Hung Wen-hua stated that this year's pilgrimage is expected to depart late on April 12 after Mazu's sedan chair is mounted, embarking on an 8-day, 7-night journey. Currently, 450,000 people have registered, and it is expected to reach 460,000 by the registration deadline on the evening of the 9th, setting a new historical record. Hung Wen-hua pointed out that during Mazu's departure and return, large crowds of devotees flock to the Baishatun area, urging them to use public transportation as much as possible. He also reminded pilgrims to take care of themselves, act within their limits, and be mindful of not wasting food and maintaining environmental protection when accepting food and snacks enthusiastically provided along the way. Hung Wen-hua mentioned that on the day of the sedan chair mounting, April 12, President Lai Ching-te will personally visit and worship Mazu at 5:30 PM. By the time of the sedan chair mounting in the evening, 10 county and city mayors from Taipei, Taichung, Hualien, Yunlin, and Nantou will participate, along with 20 to 30 legislators who will accompany the President or county/city mayors. Chung Tung-chin stated that the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is no longer just a major event for Miaoli County but also an important national event. He thanked the President, the Executive Yuan, and the counties and cities along the route for their strong assistance every year. With over 400,000 pilgrims this year, providing food and accommodation along the way is not an easy task, but he believes Mazu will bless everyone for a safe and successful completion. Chung Tung-chin noted that Miaoli recently experienced floods, and with Mazu's blessing, he hopes the residents can return to normal life as soon as possible. He said that Mazu's efficacy has led to rapid development in Miaoli, and the good fortune of Gongtian Temple will bring blessings to Miaoli, expressing sincere gratitude to Mazu. The 2026 Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu walking pilgrimage to Beigang is scheduled to depart at 11:55 PM on April 12 (solar calendar) after the sedan chair is mounted. It will arrive in Beigang on April 16, perform the fire ritual on April 17, return to the temple on April 20, and open the furnace on May 1. The Tongxiao Township Office plans to hold a departure evening party on April 12 at the private parking lot in front of Gongtian Temple to cheer on the pilgrims. On the morning of April 19, an "Welcoming Mazu's Return" event will be held in front of the Uni-President 7-ELEVEN Tongyuan store, inviting devotees to jointly welcome Mazu back to the temple. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150407