Waterloo Street Temple To Close On 26 Feb & 9 Mar To Prevent Crowds During The Pandemic

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Will Close On 26 Feb & 9 Mar In Light Of Pandemic

Unlike previous years, the popular Waterloo Street Temple was closed during the recent  Chinese New Year (CNY) period.

Waterloo Street Temple Cancels Incense Offering Event On CNY Eve, Will Close At 6.30pm

As it reopened on Monday (15 Feb), hundreds reportedly queued up to offer their prayers.

Source

However, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple will close temporarily on Lantern Festival (26 Feb) and Open Treasury Day (9 Mar) in light of the pandemic.

Waterloo Street temple will close 26 Feb and 9 Mar

On Thursday (18 Feb), Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple shared Shin Min Daily’s report about their imminent closure via Facebook.

Speaking to MS News, the temple confirmed the closures on 26 Feb and 9 Mar which happen to be the Lantern Festival (元宵节) and Open Treasury Day (开库借红包) respectively.

Source

For many, it’s customary to offer their prayers and receive blessings from Guan Yin Pu Sa – the Goddess of Mercy – on festive occasions.

On the 15th day of the Lunar New Year this year – the Lantern Festival – devotees, unfortunately, will not be able to offer incense at the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.

Waterloo Street temple to close on Lantern Festival

Another important occasion is the 26th day after CNY which is the Borrow Angbao or Open Treasury Day.

Falling on 9 Mar this year, temples would usually distribute red packets filled with coins to devotees, symbolising blessings ‘borrowed’ from Guan Yin.

Source

However, the celebration will be suspended this year on 9 Mar for the second consecutive year due to the pandemic.

Devotees will be able to resume visiting on the following day.

Seeks devotees’ understanding

Even though the temple’s temporary closure on important festive occasions might come as a disappointment for some, we hope devotees understand that this is ultimately done with their safety in mind.

Know someone who’s planning to visit the temple on 26 Feb or 9 Mar? Tag them in the comments so they don’t make a wasted journey!

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Google Maps.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.

  • More From Author