HONG KONG - Large crowds of mourners gathered at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Tuesday to mark the traditional “first seven” memorial—exactly seven days after the massive fire that left at least 156 persons dead.
Holding bouquets of white flowers, many paid a tearful tribute to the victims in a solemn display of grief and remembrance.
Some local florists offered free bouquets to support the mourners, while Buddhist monks were present to lead prayers and offer blessings for the deceased.
Meanwhile, officers from the Hong Kong Police Force’s Disaster Victim Identification Unit continue to investigate the scene of the blaze.
In traditional Chinese culture, it is believed that the soul of the departed returns home on the seventh day after death to visit loved ones.
China Daily's Andy Chong took the photos on Tuesday.
