It was widely believed, however, that the ban resulted from the government's reluctance to see the ritual dominated by gangsters -- who often played the role of the Han-tan yeh and organized the event.
Lee, a high-school drop-out, claims to be connected with the underground world but managed to stay clean during his younger years.
He started to take over the management of the temple and organize the Han-tan yeh program in 1989 when the county government lifted the ban in the hope of boosting the tourism industry.
Over the course of 14 years, Lee said that he has seen the festival gradually gain steam.
"Take this year for example, I have 11 engagements to take care of and 30 volunteers at my disposal to play the Han-tan yeh," he said.
While the monetary awards from shop owners vary between NT$1,000 and NT$20,000 each, the temple was awarded NT$500,000 by the county government to organize the event this year.
No particular requirements are set for playing the role of the Han-tan yeh, Lee said, but most of them are men aged between 20 and 40.
Lee, however, said that he has once had a 30-something American white male perform the role twice.
The American was studying Taiwanese religious rituals to finish his dissertation.
Since no protection gear is allowed, not even ointment, certain protection measures, such as taking anti-inflammatory tablets, are advised, Lee said
Luckily, no one has ever beenn seriously injured over the years, he said.
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