TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Despite the overlap with Typhoon Haikui, a major folk ritual in the seventh lunar month, the Hungry Ghost Festival, at Kaohsiung's Fong Yi Ching Fu Gong Temple proceeded on Sunday (Sept. 3).
The three-decade-long tradition involving families, temples, and companies praying for peace, experienced dramatic weather conditions as the typhoon intensified.
Though the festival experienced relatively calm weather in the morning, Typhoon Haikui’s arrival in the afternoon gradually increased rainfall and wind. Rather than cancelling the assembly, devotees chose to don raincoats and wield umbrellas, embracing the feast amidst the downpour.
Due to the typhoon, the feasting tent was later blown over, leading to early termination of the festival.
By 8 p.m., the typhoon's impact caused numerous rain canopies to take flight, compelling attendees to pack food away and retreat home.
Despite facing Typhoon Haikui, the participants' resolve remained unshaken, making the festival even more memorable.
Post-event photos circulated online, sparking spirited discussion and humorous commendations of the impromptu "floating feast" amidst the storm.