The annual procession of the sea goddess Mazu enshrined in Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung’s Dajia District is set to start on April 8, the temple said Tuesday.
The news comes after the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC ) announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions earlier in the day.
On Feb. 15, the day of this year’s Lantern Festival, the head of Jenn Lann Temple Yen Ching-biao (???) used moon blocks — a divination tool — to ask Mazu when the nine-day procession should start.
The annual procession, one of the most-watched religious events in Taiwan, will begin at 11 p.m. on April 8.
Tens of thousands of worshipers are expected to follow the Dajia Mazu as it travels 340 kilometers through Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County and Chiayi County before returning to the temple on April 17, according to organizers.
Due to COVID-19, the temple has urged those joining the procession to wear masks and maintain social distancing, while all of the participants will have their temperatures taken during the event.
As part of its COVID-19 prevention efforts, the temple is also asking participants to avoid the traditional practice of crawling under the icon’s palanquin to receive Mazu’s blessing.
The temple’s decision came after deputy head of the CECC Chen Tsung-yen (???) said the CECC had lifted a ban on religious pilgrimages starting Wednesday.
Eased rules regarding places of worship
Following the removal of a ban on religious events, Chen, who is also the deputy interior minister, said any religious event with more than 500 participants would only need to secure approval from the local government of the city or county where the event is being held.
Chen said that beginning Wednesday, religious venues like temples and churches would also not have any restrictions on the number of visitors.
He added that a ban on drinking and eating in religious venues had also been lifted.
But Chen said that face masks must be worn at all times during religious events, adding that participants and organizers would not be allowed to toast table by table at related banquets.
In addition, political candidates and government officials will not have to observe the limitations, which had previously prevented them from campaigning, Chen said.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel