The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage from Taichung's Dajia Jenn Lann Temple will start tonight at 11 p.m., marking the beginning of a 9-day, 8-night journey on foot. The route will pass through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi, with plans to return on the night of April 14. This afternoon, Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung, on behalf of Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, respectfully invited Mazu onto the palanquin. Tonight, they will join President Han Kuo-yu of the Legislative Yuan in respectfully seeing off Mazu, seeking blessings for peace, good weather, and the well-being of the citizens during the pilgrimage.

Today, Vice President Chiang Chi-chen of the Legislative Yuan has also invited ambassadors and representatives from Taiwan's diplomatic allies and offices to join in witnessing the most emblematic traditional celebration. Vice President Chiang noted that Mazu as a vital spiritual anchor for the Taiwanese people. The 9-day, 8-night pilgrimage will start tonight, aiming to both soothe the public's minds and rally their unity. Additionally, many followers are ready to accompany Mazu's journey southward. Vice President Chiang mentioned the recent strong earthquake near Hualien, which has impacted Taiwan significantly, particularly Hualien. Despite this, there's a belief in Mazu's compassion to ensure national peace, favorable weather, and safe travels for all devotees. Furthermore, prayers are extended for Mazu's guidance in facilitating smooth disaster relief efforts and subsequent reconstruction.

Deputy Mayor Huang noted that the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, with a history of over a century, holds great significance not only in Taichung but also as one of Taiwan's most renowned religious events, even gaining global recognition. Pilgrims from across the country, guided by profound devotion, walk alongside the Mazu palanquin, showcasing the profound strength of religious faith. He expressed gratitude to Yen Ching-piao, chairman of Jenn Lann Temple, and his team for their unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and their substantial contributions to social harmony and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that Mazu's benevolence will safeguard all believers and locals along the pilgrimage, and best wishes are extended for a safe, smooth, and successful pilgrimage.

Chairman Yen Ching-piao of Zhenlan Temple noted that statues of revered deities such as Zhengluma, Fuluma, Meizhouma, Qianliyan, and Shunfeng'er were respectfully invited onto the palanquins in today’s ceremony. He expressed hopes for the successful Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage to Xingang Fentian Temple in Chiayi, aiming to propagate the spirit of Mazu's compassion and all-encompassing love. Additionally, Chairman Yen assured all believers that refreshment stations along the route will provide ample food for everyone. He also urged everyone to cherish food and avoid wasting it.

Director Wu Shih-wei of the Civil Affairs Bureau noted that Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is among Taiwan's renowned Mazu temples, boasting a history of over 290 years. It stands as a vital religious hub in the region, bustling with worshippers year-round. The annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, held in the third month of the traditional Chinese calendar, is globally recognized as one of the top three religious events, attracting devotees and tourists from both domestic and overseas. This year's pilgrimage theme, “cherishing blessings,” underscores the importance of appreciating life's gifts amidst busyness. Wu also urged the public to cherish food along the pilgrimage route and avoiding unnecessary waste.

The Civil Affairs Bureau noted that tonight marks the beginning of a 9-day, 8-night pilgrimage for Dajia Mazu. The journey will traverse four counties and cities, namely Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi. Mazu will stay at various temples along the route: Nanyao Temple in Changhua City on April 6, Fuxing Temple in Xiluo Township on April 7, and Fentian Temple in Xingang Township on April 8 and 9, where a significant birthday celebration will be held. Afterward, Mazu will stay at Fuxing Temple in Xiluo Township on April 10, Dian'an Temple in Beidou Township on April 11, Tianhou Temple in Changhua City on April 12, and Chaoxing Temple in Qingshui District on April 13. Finally, on the evening of April 14, Mazu will return to the main hall of Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia District.

The Civil Affairs Bureau also noted that for those unable to join the entire pilgrimage, they can download the “Dajia Mazu” app. This app offers features like real-time GPS satellite tracking of Mazu, live streaming from the event, as well as useful details such as route guidance, weather updates, and locations of convenience stores and restroom facilities. Alternatively, they can visit the official website of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (https://active.dajiamazu.org.tw/) to follow the palanquin's current location and feel the lively ambiance of the pilgrimage online.

Today's event was attended by Vice President Chiang Chi-chen of the Legislative Yuan, Legislator Yen Kuan-heng, city council members Yang Chi-pang and Li Wen-chieh, Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung, Ambassador David Adams Orrukem of the Embassy of the ROC Taiwan in Palau, Representative Paulius Lukauskas of the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office, Representative Iqbal Shoffan Shofwan of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei, Kazuyuki Katayama from the Taipei Office, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Deputy Representative Sunh Arunrugstichati of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office, Deputy Representative Ismet Erikan of the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei, Deputy Representative Anton Marinin of the Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperation, First Secretary Han An-shan of the Embassy Language School of the American Institute in Taiwan, Chairman Yen Ching-piao and Vice Chairman Cheng Ming-kun of Jenn Lann Temple, and Chairman He Ta-huang of Fentian Temple in Xingang Township, Chiayi County. They respectfully invited the statue of Mazu onto the palanquin. Many devout worshippers were present, creating a lively atmosphere.