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The city of Hong Kong hosts varied colorful festivals all round the year. The Chinese tradition, beliefs, customs and culture are all reflected in these festivals and events. The Birthday of Tin Hau, Hong Kong is dedicated to the sea Goddess Tin Hau. A major portion of the Chinese population owes its source of living to the sea. This day is observed to honor the Goddess of the Sea and recognize Her birthday. As the popular belief says, this day is celebrated to acquire and ensure a safe and sound, strong and secured weather in the upcoming days, so that they are able to venture out in the sea to earn their livelihood. On the Birthday of Tin Hau, Hong Kong , people offer their prayers with dedication in Tin Hau's temples. The seamen appreciate the Goddess for safeguarding their lives and pray for good fortune in the future too. The sailors too pray for their safety against sea storms and shipwrecks. The boats are decked up with bright ribbons and streamers, banners and flags, and are laden with tokens of devotion and offerings. A procession is carried out in the honor of Tin Hau and it features floral paper offerings or fa pau . The customary rituals and ceremonies are performed at the ‘big temple' in Sai Kung and are organized by Joss House Bay. The temple was actually built in 13 th century during the reign of the South Sung Dynasty. The place can be reached by the bus numbered 92 from Choi Hung to Sai Kung town center within a duration of about 5 minutes approximately. The region of Yuen Long witnesses a parade on Birthday of Tin Hau, Hong Kong which features lion dances, gorgeous costumes, operas, boy scouts, marshal arts students, cheerleaders and many more. This parade attracts innumerable viewers – local and oversea tourists. In order to catch up a glimpse of this splendiferous parade, you can board a bus from Central which will take you to the spot within an hour or so. The festival gives scopes to savor fresh and yummy seafood delicacies. Hong Kong hosts many other relevant events and fetes like Birthday of Che Kung, Tam Kung Birthday, Kwan Tai Birthday, Dragon Boat Festival and Buddha's Birthday.
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