Hundreds of thousands of worshipers are crossing Taiwan’s western plains for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, one of East Asia’s largest religious events. The annual journey honors Mazu, Taiwan’s most revered goddess, and this year has drawn record-breaking crowds of over 200,000 to demonstrate devotion and seek blessings. Pilgrims walk up to 400 kilometers over a week, braving the sun, humidity and rain.
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00:00Hundreds of thousands of people, record numbers are here in Miaoli for the start of one of
00:06two pilgrimages, celebrating the birthday of the goddess Mazu.
00:10We have a lot of gratitude to each other in our hearts, including myself and my life.
00:24Mazu is Taiwan's most worshipped folk deity, and she's known as the goddess of the sea.
00:30People join these pilgrimages to demonstrate devotion, receive her blessings, or simply
00:34to give thanks.
00:37On the Baishatun pilgrimage, some followers will cover up to 400 kilometers in just over
00:41a week.
00:43From here in Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County, down to Chaotian Temple in Union County, then
00:48back up north again.
00:50Much of this time will be spent outdoors, walking in the sun, rain, and heat of western
00:55Taiwan.
00:56It's like you're walking with Mazu, and you can get your heart out of your heart.
01:01When I was walking last year, I think the most difficult place is to climb the water, so
01:09I've used the water to breathe, and I believe I can go smoothly.
01:16Now these crowds you see behind me are all trying to catch a glimpse of the moment that Mazu
01:19leaves this temple behind me.
01:21But it's getting harder and harder and harder every year.
01:24The event is becoming more and more popular.
01:27In 2010, only about 5,000 people officially registered.
01:31This year, over 200,000 have registered.
01:35And that's up from 180,000 last year.
01:52Now, a little bit later from now, Mazu will leave this temple behind me and begin her journey
01:56south.
01:57And when she does, the roads around this part of Miaoli will heave with crowds larger than
02:02they've ever seen before.
02:04Ryan Wu and Bryn Thomas in Miaoli for Taiwan Plus.