HCMC

Can Gio fishermen set sail for whale worship festival

Can Gio fishermen set sail for whale worship festival

Must read

Dengue vaccine demand jumps as HCMC cases rise

Dengue vaccine demand jumps as HCMC cases rise

HCMC June 12, 2026

HCMC – Demand for dengue vaccinations has surged more than 40% as HCMC recorded 17,718 infections and four deaths in the first five months of the year, according to health authorities and a major vaccination provider.

HCMC – Dozens of fishing boats in Can Gio Commune, HCMC sailed out to sea this morning for the annual Nghinh Ong Festival, which honors the Whale God, or Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan, believed to protect fishermen during their fishing voyages.
The annual festival takes place on the 16th day of the eighth lunar month. It serves as a traditional event for fishermen to express gratitude to Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan and the Sea Gods for safe journeys. The festival has been held since 1913.
At around 9 a.m., a lion dance troupe opened the procession to escort the Whale God from Lang Ong Thuy Tuong Temple
The Nghinh Ong procession includes the main ceremonial committee, assistants, singers, musicians, and ceremonial guards. Leading the procession is the head of the fishermen’s guild, followed by ritual assistants in traditional attire, classical opera performers, and ceremonial guards dressed in yellow and red. Behind them are committee members in blue ao dai and turbans, carrying the wooden altar with the Whale God’s tablet, incense burner, candles, and offerings such as sticky rice, sweet soup, pork, duck, fruits, flowers, betel leaves, rice, salt, wine, tea, and cakes.
The palanquin carrying the Whale God statue is placed on a lead boat and taken to the Tam Giang Estuary
A man in traditional attire signals the boat procession to set sail
Offerings are prepared on board
Participants dressed in traditional attire sit on the procession boat
Men in yellow ceremonial costumes sit beside a drum marking the start of the sea worship ritual
The ritual takes place at sea
Fishing boats follow the procession boat out to sea
Residents gather at the harbor, waiting for the fishing boats to return. After the ceremony at sea, the palanquin is brought back to shore, carrying prayers for safe voyages, smooth sailing, and a bountiful fishing season
Long lines of participants follow the palanquin procession, accompanying the Whale God back from the sea to Whale Temple

Latest articles

Dengue vaccine demand jumps as HCMC cases rise

Dengue vaccine demand jumps as HCMC cases rise

HCMC June 12, 2026

HCMC – Demand for dengue vaccinations has surged more than 40% as HCMC recorded 17,718 infections and four deaths in the first five months of the year, according to health authorities and a major vaccination provider.

Vietnam News Ho Chi Minh City Travel Economy Education Expat Life World Video

Editor-in-Chief: TRAN XUAN TOAN
A publication of Tuoi Tre Online Newspaper
Ho Chi Minh City Press and Radio-Television Agency
Publication permit 561/GP-BTTTT, issued on November 25, 2022

Advertise with Us | Contact Us

Hotline: 0918.033.133

© Copyright 2026 Tuoi Tre newspaper, All rights reserved. Content may not be republished, except with the prior written permission of Tuoi Tre newspaper.

Tuoi Tre Online Tuoi Tre Media Tuoi Tre Cuoi Tuoi Tre Cuoi Tuan Podcast Tuoi Tre

Editor-in-Chief: TRAN XUAN TOAN

A publication of Tuoi Tre Online Newspaper
Ho Chi Minh City Press and Radio-Television Agency
Publication permit 561/GP-BTTTT, issued on November 25, 2022

Hotline: 0918.033.133

© Copyright 2026 Tuoi Tre newspaper, All rights reserved. Content may not be republished, except with the prior written permission of Tuoi Tre newspaper.