VietNamNet Bridge – Cau Ngu (whale worship) festival is part of the cultural identity of Vietnam’s central and southern coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through the generations.

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Annual whale worshipping festivals at fishing villages are a spiritual ritual of fishing communities in coastal Vietnam (Photo: VNA)


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The festival marks the end of the lunar New Year holidays among fishing communities and fishermen would set sail on new fishing trips afterwards (Photo: VNA)


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Participants pray for plenteous hauls of fish, safe voyages, and peace for the nation (Photo: VNA)


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The festival features a wide variety of ceremonies and rituals, of which the whale worshipping ceremony is the most important activity, attracting the participation of numerous fishermen (Photo: VNA)


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Elderly fisherman perform rituals before palanquin procession (Photo: VNA)


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Opening ceremony: A procession of the god of the sea is carried by local fishermen as a prelude for the fishing festival in Da Nang (Photo: VNA)


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Following the rituals are community activities, such as folk performances and tuong (classical opera) singing (Photo: VNA)


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Annual whale worshipping festivals at fishing villages are a spiritual ritual of fishing communities in coastal Vietnam (Photo: VNA)


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Robert Walts, an American fisherman, is amazed to know about the whale worshipping in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)


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Opening ceremony: A procession of the god of the sea is carried by local fishermen as a prelude for the fishing festival in Da Nang (Photo: VNA)


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Photos: VNA


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Elderly fishermen perform rituals before palanquin procession (Photo: VNA)


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During the festival, in addition to performing Tuong classical opera and chanting melodies, local artists also sing and dance to promote unity between fishermen on a boat to overcome big waves, strong winds and earn bumper catches (Photo: VNA)


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Participants pray for plenteous hauls of fish, safe voyages, and peace for the nation (Photo: VNA)


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Recognition: National Intangible Heritage certificate for the Cau Ngu festival is presented to a representative of the city of Da Nang, Feb. 20, 2019 (Photo: VNA)

Source: VNA