Discover the song honoring the culture and spirituality of fishermen through the Whale Festival

The Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the unique traditional festivals of fishermen in the coastal provinces of southern Vietnam. The festival takes place annually to honor the Whale, the sea god who protects and shelters seafarers. This festival is not only an opportunity for fishermen to express their gratitude but also a time for the community to connect and share profound cultural and spiritual values. During each festival season, the atmosphere in coastal fishing villages becomes more bustling and vibrant than ever. People from all over gather, bringing rich offerings such as fruits, incense, and traditional dishes to offer to the Whale. Boats are brightly decorated with flags and flowers, symbols of luck and success, ready to set sail in the Whale welcoming ceremony. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Whale procession to the Water General's Tomb (Can Gio). Photo: Collected[/caption] During the festival, the whale procession to the sea is one of the most important highlights. People together carry the boat out to sea, amidst the bustling sound of drums, gongs and sincere prayers. The image of the boat following each other on the blue sea, under the clear sky, creates a majestic and sacred scene. Each wave lapping against the boat's side seems to sing a joyful song in the joy and hope of the people for a bountiful fishing season. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Whale model procession in the Nghinh Ong Thang Tam festival. Photo: baobariavungtau.com[/caption] Besides the boat procession, folk cultural activities are also an indispensable part of the Nghinh Ong festival. Lion dance and dragon dance performances, and folk games such as tug of war and pot-breaking attract enthusiastic participation from both adults and children. The performances not only bring joy but also carry traditional cultural values ​​of coastal fishermen passed down from generation to generation. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Other activities at the festival. Photo: Collected[/caption] The Nghinh Ong Festival also carries within it a unique religious story. Fishermen believe that the Whale is a guardian deity, helping them avoid disasters and dangers at sea. Each ritual in the festival is performed with sincerity and gratitude. The prayers and incense sticks lit not only convey wishes for peace but also promise solidarity and unity in the fishing community. In particular, the Nghinh Ong Festival is also an opportunity for fishermen to convey cultural and traditional values ​​to the younger generation. Stories about the Whale, the ocean, and the lives of fishermen are told in a lively and vivid way. Through that, the younger generation not only understands more about their origins but also becomes aware of their responsibility to preserve and promote the precious values ​​of their ancestors. The festival is a song honoring the culture and spirituality of fishermen. Solemn rituals, vibrant cultural activities and rich culinary feasts have created a colorful festival, thereby preserving traditional culture and uniting the coastal fishing community.

Hoang Anh