Meizhou sacred Mazu statue arrives in Kuching, sets stage for Goddess of Sea birthday at Muara Tebas

Wee (front row, third right) and Kuching Hokkien Association members welcoming the Mazu statue at Kuching International Airport on May 7, 2026. Photo credit: TVS Rebao

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 7: The Mazu “divine incarnation golden statue” from the ancestral Mazu Temple in Meizhou, China, has arrived in Kuching ahead of the Goddess of the Sea birthday celebration at Qing Shan Yan Mazu Temple in Muara Tebas on May 9.

The sacred statue arrived smoothly at Kuching International Airport at around 12 noon today and was warmly received by Kuching Hokkien Association president Dato Sri Richard Wee and several committee members.

According to TVS Rebao, the welcoming ceremony was further enlivened by a lion dance troupe, drum performance team, and flag squad, creating a solemn yet grand and vibrant atmosphere.

The arrival marks a significant spiritual and cultural occasion for the Hokien community in Kuching, symbolising the enduring connection between the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple and local devotees. It also sets the stage for a series of religious observances leading up to Mazu’s birthday celebration.

In a statement, the Kuching Hokien Association said the statue was formally received at the airport’s VIP arrival hall before proceeding under ceremonial escort for a citywide programme of worship and pilgrimage activities.

Mazu, widely revered as the Goddess of the Sea, being placed on a ceremonial float upon arrival in Kuching for the “Heavenly Empress Mazu Procession” across the city on May 7, 2026. Photo credit: TVS Rebao

Following its arrival, the Mazu statue was placed on a ceremonial float for the “Heavenly Empress Mazu Procession”, featuring a 10-temple pilgrimage across Kuching. The procession, escorted by drum troupes, flag bearers, and lion dance teams, travelled through 10 designated stops en route to Muara Tebas.

The ten stops include Sungai Apong Sheing Seng Temple, Bintawa Heng Ann Thian Miau Temple, Petanak Tiong Hock Kiong, Ah Ma Hu Temple, Wisma Kuching Hing Ann Thien Hoe Kong, Kuching Siew San Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple, Hiang Tiang Siang Ti Temple, Kuching Hainan Association Hin Ho Bio Temple, Hong San Si Temple, and the Kuching Hokien Association Mazu Temple at Muara Tebas, where the enshrinement ceremony will take place.

Upon arrival in Muara Tebas in the afternoon, the statue will be formally enshrined, followed by the traditional three-offering rites.

In preparation for the event, a five-member delegation from the Kuching Hokien Association travelled to Meizhou Island from May 4 to 6 to receive the sacred statue. Led by the association’s supervisory chairman, the delegation participated in solemn rituals at the Mazu Ancestral Temple before escorting the statue back to Kuching.

Wee (fifth left) and Kuching Hokkien Association members in a photo after a worship ceremony following the arrival of Mazu statue at Kuching International Airport on May 7, 2026. Photo credit: TVS Rebao

The association also announced that it will host its inaugural Mazu Birthday Celebration Ceremony at Qing Shan Yan Mazu Temple on May 9, inviting devotees and members of the public to attend prayers and offerings.

Mazu, widely revered as the Goddess of the Sea, is honoured for her compassion, protection, and charitable spirit. Her worship remains an important cultural tradition among Chinese communities worldwide.

The Kuching Hokien Association expressed hope that the series of events will deepen public understanding of Mazu culture, particularly among younger generations, ensuring its continued preservation and transmission.

Looking ahead, the official opening ceremony of the Kuching Hokien Association Mazu Temple at Muara Tebas is scheduled for Oct 18, a symbolic date marking Mazu’s ascension. — DayakDaily