Dajia Mazu Returns to Temple in Early Morning Amidst Enthusiastic Devotees
The annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage concluded early on the 27th as the deity's palanquin returned to Zhenlan Temple in Taichung. The event, delayed by the massive crowds of devotees, marks the end of a 340-kilometer journey.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 03:56
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Taichung’s Dajia Zhenlan Temple Mazu pilgrimage was originally scheduled to hold its return ceremony at 11 PM yesterday, but due to the enthusiastic crowds along the route, the entire Dajia area became more lively late into the night. The deity finally returned to the temple for the seating ceremony after 1 AM today, bringing the event to a close.
The Mazu palanquin passed through the Dajia Shuiwei Bridge to enter the city area around 5 PM yesterday, sequentially touring the four city gates. Devotees began gathering at the temple square after nightfall to watch troupes and rituals, with fireworks and firecrackers lighting up the sky.
While the ceremony was expected at 11 PM, the schedule was delayed as many followers waited to crawl under the palanquin for blessings. The palanquin eventually entered the temple grounds at 1:21 AM today. Temple staff then sequentially invited the Mazu statues out of the palanquin and passed them hand-to-hand for seating, during which devotees touched the statues to pray for peace and prosperity.
Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin and Zhenlan Temple Chairman Yen Ching-piao attended the grand ceremony. Yen expressed his gratitude to the participating teams and troupes, stating that the pilgrimage's status as one of the world's three major religious events is due to everyone's unity. When asked about the number of participants, he said they were too numerous to count.
Regarding the delay, Yen explained, "It couldn't be helped because the devotees were so passionate. Many people wanted to crawl under the palanquin, and many snack stands were added, so I am very grateful to everyone."
The pilgrimage began at 10:05 PM on the 17th, passing through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi, covering a total distance of over 340 kilometers. The statues, including the Zheng-lu, Fu-lu, and Meizhou Mazu, were placed on the altar amidst chanting by temple staff early this morning, marking the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage.
The Mazu palanquin passed through the Dajia Shuiwei Bridge to enter the city area around 5 PM yesterday, sequentially touring the four city gates. Devotees began gathering at the temple square after nightfall to watch troupes and rituals, with fireworks and firecrackers lighting up the sky.
While the ceremony was expected at 11 PM, the schedule was delayed as many followers waited to crawl under the palanquin for blessings. The palanquin eventually entered the temple grounds at 1:21 AM today. Temple staff then sequentially invited the Mazu statues out of the palanquin and passed them hand-to-hand for seating, during which devotees touched the statues to pray for peace and prosperity.
Taichung Vice Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin and Zhenlan Temple Chairman Yen Ching-piao attended the grand ceremony. Yen expressed his gratitude to the participating teams and troupes, stating that the pilgrimage's status as one of the world's three major religious events is due to everyone's unity. When asked about the number of participants, he said they were too numerous to count.
Regarding the delay, Yen explained, "It couldn't be helped because the devotees were so passionate. Many people wanted to crawl under the palanquin, and many snack stands were added, so I am very grateful to everyone."
The pilgrimage began at 10:05 PM on the 17th, passing through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi, covering a total distance of over 340 kilometers. The statues, including the Zheng-lu, Fu-lu, and Meizhou Mazu, were placed on the altar amidst chanting by temple staff early this morning, marking the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage.