Unlike previous years, the popular Waterloo Street Temple was closed during the recent Chinese New Year (CNY) period.
As it reopened on Monday (15 Feb), hundreds reportedly queued up to offer their prayers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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