Pilgrims flock to Che Kung Temple for divine help to end pandemic

Citizens flocked to Che Kung Temple in Tai Wai on the third day of Lunar New Year, hoping the deity can help end the pandemic soon.

The Chinese Temples Committee said from 8am to noon, the temple has seen a total of 6,414 visitors. The temple is almost running at its full capacity, said the committee which urges pilgrims to visit it on other days.

According to traditional beliefs, people are prone to start quarrels on the third day of Lunar New Year. It is considered not a good day to meet your friends or family, and many opt to visit temples instead.

Citizens have to queue up to offer incense sticks to the deity, as well as to rotate windmills and to hit the drums. The windmills can help people change their luck, while the drumming can tell the deity about visitors' presence, it is believed.

A citizen who visited the temple this morning said he prayed that the pandemic will end soon and normal lives can be restored. His income last year has decreased due to the outbreak.

As for a child who went to the temple with his family, his wish is that face-to-face classes can resume as soon as possible so he can meet friends in campus.

During Ming Dynasty (around 17th century), a pandemic broke out in the New Territories and caused massive deaths, especially in Sha Tin.

Villagers discovered that a general during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) helped stop an epidemic. They made a statue of the general and built his temple.

Che Kung Temple was rebuilt in 1890 and expanded in 1994.