Temples are usually known for contemplation, prayer, and sometimes celebrations. However, this particular temple’s Pudu festival sees extra eager participants.
More than 700 tables have been set at the Wufu Temple in Miaoli. After the yearly Pudu Festival, the offerings are free to take, which draws large crowds of worshippers.
A total of 6,500 items were available to take this year. Some people reach only for cookies, others grab fruit, but most don’t care what offerings they quickly sweep into their bags or baskets. One woman says that she has a lot of fun, though she felt strange when she first participated in the event.
The pandemic temporarily shut down celebrations, but this year has seen the festivities resume. In years previous to the shutdown, all offerings would be taken away in less than 40 seconds, but this year the temple saw fewer people and therefore slower clean-up. The speed is obvious when videos are compared side by side.
As the effects of the pandemic fade, more people are open to public events. Future Pudu Festivals will likely see more participants, and offerings will no doubt be snapped up in a blink.