Dajia Mazu Effigy Returns to Temple Amidst Enthusiastic Devotee Crowds

After a journey of over 340 kilometers across four counties and cities, the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage has drawn to a close with the revered Mazu effigy returning to the Zhenlan Temple in Taichung's Dajia District. The procession, which began on April 17th, saw immense devotion from countless followers.

Originally scheduled for an 11 PM return on April 26th, the Mazu sedan chair's arrival was significantly delayed, finally entering the temple grounds at 1:21 AM on April 27th. This delay was attributed to the overwhelming enthusiasm of devotees eager to participate in the 'drilling the sedan chair' (鑽轎底) ritual, a practice where followers lie on the ground to allow the sedan chair to pass over them, seeking blessings for peace and good fortune.

Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin and Zhenlan Temple Chairman Yen Ching-piao were present for the enshrinement ceremony. Yen Ching-piao emphasized the unity and collective effort that makes this pilgrimage, recognized as one of the world's top three religious events, a success. The sheer passion of the devotees, evident in the extended duration of the rituals and the increased number of 'snack carriers' (點心擔), highlights the deep cultural and spiritual significance of this annual event for Taiwan.

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We can't help it, because the devotees are too enthusiastic, there are too many people who want to drill the sedan chair, and the snack carriers have also increased a lot, so I thank everyone very much.