Thousands flock to Hong Kong temple for Lunar New Year incense stick ritual
Wong Tai Sin Temple throws open its doors as worshippers pray for prosperity and health in the Year of the Horse
Thousands of worshippers flocked to Hong Kong’s best-known Taoist temple on Monday for the annual ritual of the burning of the first incense sticks, marking the start of Lunar New Year with prayers for prosperity and health in the Year of the Horse.
The Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple threw open its doors at 9pm on Monday for the traditional Lunar New Year’s Eve celebration, welcoming crowds eager to offer their first sticks of incense to the Great Immortal Wong at 11pm.
The Kowloon landmark will remain open overnight and throughout the first day of Lunar New Year to accommodate the thousands expected to pray for good fortune, closing its gates at 9pm on Tuesday.
Veteran actress Lana Wong Ha-wai, 95, known for her extravagant annual ritual outfits, appeared this year dressed as Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.
She said she was seeking “double protection” from the deities following a gruelling 12-year legal battle to reclaim an inheritance “stolen” from her.