The Na Tcha Temple Association’s annual float parade and procession, held in honour of the tutelary deity’s birthday, will commence at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Na Tcha, known in Putonghua as Nezha (哪吒) and also referred to as Prince Nezha (哪吒太子), is a guardian deity in Taoism, Buddhism, and Chinese folk religion. A prominent figure in Chinese mythology, Na Tcha is a divine hero whose origins are rooted in ancient folklore and religious traditions. According to mythological narrative, Na Tcha was born during the Shang Dynasty (商朝, c. 1600–1046 BCE). His famous story is closely tied to the Investiture of the Gods (封神演义), a Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) novel set during that era.
According to previous reports by the Post, the parade will feature between 30 and 40 troupes – a stronger line-up than in previous years. In addition to local troupes, visiting groups from China’s Taiwan region, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore will also take part.
Furthermore, a communal “poon choi” banquet (a traditional Cantonese festival meal served in large bowls) will be held in front of Na Tcha Temple near the St Paul’s Ruins tomorrow and Thursday evening, with around 30 tables set up each night. Na Tcha’s formal birthday celebration will take place at 10:30 p.m. tomorrow. On Thursday, the official day of the deity’s birthday, the parade will tour various districts across the city’s peninsula and Taipa to offer blessings to the community.
Na Tcha’s fame has spread globally thanks to two highly successful fantasy animated films, Ne Zha (2019) – Released as “Ne Zha: I Am the Destiny” in some regions, this film became a massive cultural phenomenon, grossing over US$740 million worldwide and setting the record at the time for the highest-grossing Chinese animated film. Ne Zha 2 (2025) – this direct sequel shattered global box office records upon its release, grossing over US$2.2 billion to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time worldwide.
Photo taken last Tuesday shows a Palanquin placed beside the headquarters of Na Tcha Temple Association, on the day of the parade, the Na Tcha statue will be carried in for a procession. – Photo: Armindo Neves
