People across both sides of the Taiwan Strait are worshipping a goddess called Chen Jinggu, a divine protector of women and children. (CNTV)

People across both sides of the Taiwan Strait are worshipping a goddess called Chen Jinggu, a divine protector of women and children.

A divine goddess. Legend has it that Chen Jinggu was a female shaman who had supernatural powers. During a severe drought in Fujian, she performed rituals to save her people despite being pregnant. However, she later died as a result, exhausted by her actions. She has been worshipped as a guardian of pregnant women and children ever since.

Gutian County is the birthplace of the goddess. Nearly 10,000 worshippers from Taiwan come to the annual festival. This year for the first time, a traditional ritual ceremony is being held.