讀後心得

The pilgrimage to Bai Sha Tun Mazu will commence on the evening of May 1, 2025, lasting for 10 days and 9 nights. The temple will start accepting registrations from March 27. Registration can be done on-site at the Bai Sha Tun Gong Tian Temple service desk, as online registration is not available. Participants can choose to walk in the pilgrimage or take a tour bus. This pilgrimage event is not only an important folk festival in Taiwan but also a national intangible cultural heritage, attracting a large number of devotees. During the pilgrimage, there are important rituals such as flag raising and fire offerings, and devotees can follow the live broadcast and GPS tracking to stay updated on the pilgrimage team's progress.

Do you know the date of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage in 2025? The Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is regarded as a national-level intangible cultural asset and is one of Taiwan's significant folk activities. The 2025 pilgrimage will begin on the evening of May 1 and last for 10 days and 9 nights. The temple has started accepting registrations since March 27. So, what are the specific dates for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage? How to register? What do the head flag, fire entering, and stove opening signify? Here are the detailed introductions.

According to the official social media of the "Baishatun Gongtian Temple," the pilgrimage schedule for the Baishatun Gongtian Temple's Mazu to welcome the heavenly mother to Beigang in 2025 is as follows:

• Registration time: starts on March 27
• Pilgrimage day: May 1
• Arrival in Beigang: May 3
• Return to the temple: May 11

This year's registration method: The registration period is from March 27 to April 28, with daily registration times from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Registration must be done in person at the Baishatun Gongtian Temple service desk and is not open for online registration. The registration fee for individual walkers is NT$700, which includes a pink identification armband, pilgrimage clothing, a hat, and a towel. For those participating with the walking tour bus, the registration fee is NT$2,700, which also includes a green armband, clothing, and other items. Important reminder: The bus service will provide spots that follow the pilgrimage and will allow resting or luggage storage during the trip, but accommodations for each night will vary, and additional accommodation fees may be required, depending on the quality of lodging.

Participants in the pilgrimage are not required to register; self-participation is also welcomed, as long as they adhere to the pilgrimage rules and respect the local culture. The names of registered devotees will be written into the "Auspicious Text," and prayers will be offered to Mazu during the fire entering ceremony. Regardless of registration, participants can facilitate identity recognition by purchasing pilgrimage items in advance.

Before the pilgrimage, you will need to follow some preparations, such as adhering to a vegetarian diet or having a vegetarian meal three days before departure. This tradition is meant to achieve spiritual purity. During the pilgrimage, please be sure to respect Mazu's palanquin and avoid touching it. Furthermore, the pilgrimage route does not have a fixed schedule and will be adjusted according to actual conditions. Updates on the pilgrimage can be obtained anytime through social media.

The process of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is also very important, including the head flag raising, palanquin boarding, and fire entering ceremonies. Each step carries the weight of folk beliefs and respect for Mazu. These rituals mark the commencement of the pilgrimage and symbolize the reliance and faith of the devotees in Mazu.

I hope this information helps you better understand the arrangements and significance of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, and we look forward to your participation!