Hundreds of worshippers gathered at Wong Tai Sin Temple on Monday night to participate in the traditional "first incense" ritual, seeking blessings for the Year of the Horse.
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The temple opened its doors at 9pm, allowing devotees to wait in designated areas before offering incense in two batches scheduled for 11pm and midnight.
Kindergarten teacher Mr Chan secured the first spot in line, having queued since 3am – over 20 hours. Despite the hot weather, he expressed his honour at participating in the historic tradition, wishing for health for his family and academic progress for his students.
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Local celebrity Lana Wong dressed as the Goddess of Mercy, arriving in the afternoon. She shared her wishes for "world peace, jobs for everyone, housing and food," blessing the public with health and prosperity.
Two mainland postgraduate students from Henan and Jiangxi attended for the first time, praising the festive atmosphere and spiritual energy of the temple, which they described as "very special and different."
The temple implemented one-way circulation and crowd control measures, with incense offered at three designated points only. Visitors were reminded not to bring large joss sticks, candles or oil, and to carry only nine thin sticks per family.
From February 18 to March 18, those born in the Year of the Horse can enter the temple's Taisui Yuanchen Hall free of charge by presenting identification.
