Worshippers welcome the Year of the Snake with first incense ritual at Wong Tai Sin Temple

A large number of residents, some dressed in snake-themed costumes, lined up at the Wong Tai Sin Temple on Tuesday night for the first incense ritual.

The queue had become long before the ritual began, and it was estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 people attended the event to offer their incense.

Some had begun queuing as early as 6 pm to secure positions for offering the first incense at the temple. At 9 pm, temple officials opened the gates, allowing worshippers to rush inside to secure their spots for the yearly ritual.

Once the clock struck 11 pm, many rushed forward to offer their incense and wish for blessings for the year of the Snake.

A resident surnamed Chan stated that his first goal of the year had already been reached and hoped that he could continue to be successful and ride on this momentum.

Prominent actress Lana Wong Wai-lin, better known as Lana Wong Ha-wai, made her return dressed as the Lady White Snake from the Legend of the White Snake.

She stated that this year it was easier for her to perform the ritual and was happy that no one had pushed her.

She hoped for world peace, wishing everyone could have a happy life, and stated the most important thing was for them to be safe and healthy.

Many tourists have also come to the temple to enjoy the customs.

A tourist from Malaysia stated that she had come for the New Year and heard that the Wong Tai Sin Temple was very effective, so she came here to make her wish; however, she stated that she was surprised by the number of worshippers at the site.