The Nghinh Ong (whale worshipping) festival, an annual ritual where fishermen come together to pray for a good haul of fish from their catch, took place in Dong Hai district of the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu, on April 18.
Many people flock to Lang Ong Nam Hai (whale temple) in Dong Hai district as they join the 21st festival in the hope of a bumper haul of fish and safe voyages throughout the year.
The festival is a cultural identity of southcentral coastal localities, which has been preserved and passed down through various generations. The ritual is organised at different times, from the first month to the sixth month of the lunar calendar.
The festival features many activities such as parades on both land and sea in honour of the whale, a ritual to pray for good weather and bumper catches, along with cultural events, dragon dances, and folk games.
The festival begins with the Nghinh Ong ritual for fishermen to pay their respects and gratitude for past successes, as well as hoping for good fortune on future voyages.
The day sees an array of fishing boats carrying locals, visitors, ceremonial dragons, gongs, and drums, out to sea.
A total of 30 ships decorated with flags and flowers create a vibrant atmosphere during the procession.
Fishermen pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages, and peace throughout the coming year.
Dragon dances taking place on land attract large crowds of local people and tourists.
The festival aims to popularise local images among domestic and international friends.
In 2010, a dead whale that was 9.7m long, over 5m in circumference, and weighed about 13 tonnes was left stranded in the locality. The fish was mummified and preserved by the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography before being stuffed and displayed at the local whale temple.
The festival attracts many locals and tourists who pray for peace, favourable weather conditions, bumper crops, happiness, and prosperity.
Vietnamnet.vn
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