Receiving blessings, worshippers are bringing deity figurines out into the water for one annual religious ceremony in Taiwan.

Video script: 

A long line of palanquin bearers carrying hundreds of deity figurines rushed into Chiayi waters amidst the sounds of firecrackers and drums as part of the “King-Welcoming Water-Dash Ceremony” (衝水路迎客王). Only after sensing the deity’s presence did they disembark and return.

The three-day event is chock full of processions and folk performances. Some worshippers kneel on the road, crawling under the palanquin to receive additional blessings.

The annual ceremony boasts more than 200 years of history. Some participants say they come every year to welcome the king and receive blessings of good health and great wealth. Another says they came from Kaohsiung, and that this is the sixth year they have attended to receive blessings and pray for peace.

The religious ceremony is a special one for worshippers and is deemed an important part of local culture.