By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled report
International renowned media outlet Discovery once hailed the "Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage," the "Hajj to Mecca," and the "Christmas Mass at the Vatican" as the "Three Great Religious Events in the World," making it a significant religious festival in Taiwan. The pilgrimage route spans four counties and cities—Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi. This year’s Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage will set off at 11:00 PM on April 17 (lunar calendar: third day of the third month), according to the Gregorian calendar.
The grandeur of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage over the years. (Image source / Cultural Assets Bureau)
The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage will set off at 10:00 PM on April 7, embarking on a nine-day, eight-night cross-county pilgrimage journey, and will return to the Zhenlan Temple in Dajia District on April 16. Pilgrimage route:
The scheduled timetable for the Jihai Year Dajia Zhenlan Temple Heavenly Sacred Mother Pilgrimage and Incense Offering. (Photo / Dajia Zhenlan Temple)
Taboos:
1. Those in mourning (bereaved families) or women who have recently given birth are not allowed to participate.
2. Before the pilgrimage, participants must use incense ash to “purify” themselves, including personal belongings and vehicles.
3. Begin a vegetarian diet three days before the event.
4. First-time participants in the pilgrimage should wear a full set of new clothes to show respect for the deities.
5. Those wearing an “official robe” (hao gua) must not wear additional clothing over it or use the robe in the restroom.
6. Touching the sacred palanquin is prohibited; when crawling under the palanquin (cuan jiao di), one must remove their hat, not stand up or touch the palanquin, and must hold a pilgrimage flag or wear a safety amulet.
7. Alcohol, gambling, and inappropriate behavior are forbidden during the pilgrimage.
8. No inappropriate language is allowed during the pilgrimage; only polite phrases such as “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” should be used.
When crawling under the palanquin (cuan jiao di), one must remove their hat, not stand up or touch the palanquin, and must hold a pilgrimage flag or wear a safety amulet. (Photo / Dajia Zhenlan Temple)
On the night of April 7 when the pilgrimage sets off, from 11:00 PM to 11:30 PM, those following the palanquin to the Dajia River Bridge can also enjoy a spectacular million-firework show. Participation in the pilgrimage does not require registration—you can simply come as you wish and join at your own pace and capacity. If you’re unable to take part in the full nine-day journey, you may opt for the temple-offered one-, two-, or three-day experience options, but prior registration is required.
The Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage is also a grand event. (Photo source / Baishatun Mazu)
In addition, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage is considered equally prestigious as the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Taiwan’s two major Mazu birthday pilgrimage events are both grand spectacles. This year, the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage will depart at 1:20 AM on April 8 and return to the temple on April 17. The journey begins from Gongtian Temple in Tongxiao, Miaoli, heading to Chaotian Temple in Beigang for the incense offering.
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