NGHINH ONG (CA ONG) FESTIVAL IN COASTAL REGIONS OF VIETNAM

Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the traditional festivals held annually in coastal areas of Vietnam. This is an opportunity for the community to honor and pray for Nghinh Ong - the protective god of fishermen and boats at sea. Besides, the festival also has the meaning of connecting the community, honoring fishing, and introducing the unique culture of the sea. In this article, we will learn about the date, origin, and meaning of the Nghinh Ong festival, its main activities, traditional festivals, monuments, and venues, as well as events. stand out in this festival.

INTRODUCE

Nghinh Ong Festival (Ca Ong) is one of the traditional festivals of coastal people in Vietnam, held annually on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month. This is one of the large-scale festivals and attracts a large number of tourists to attend. Nghinh Ong Festival is not only an opportunity to honor the guardian god of fishermen and ships at sea, but also an opportunity for the community to bond and introduce the unique culture of the sea.

EVENT DATE

Nghinh Ong Festival is held on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month every year. However, activities related to the festival usually take place from the 14th to the 16th day of the lunar calendar. The 14th day of the lunar calendar is the preparation day for the festival, the 15th day of the lunar calendar is the day where the main rituals and activities take place, and the 16th day of the lunar calendar is the day the festival ends with fun, entertainment and ceremonial activities. boat racing festival.

Nghinh Ong Festival originated from the coastal regions of Vietnam, especially the Central and Southern provinces. According to legend, Nghinh Ong is a guardian god of fishermen and ships at sea. People believe that when ships go out to sea to catch fish, Nghinh Ong will protect them and bring them back to shore safely. Therefore, the Nghinh Ong festival is held to pray for peace and success in the lives of fishermen and boats.

In addition, the Nghinh Ong festival also has the meaning of connecting the community and honoring fishing - the traditional profession of coastal people. This is an opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to participate in activities together and share the joys and sorrows of life.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Nghinh Ong Festival has many main activities, including rituals to honor and pray for Nghinh Ong, and cultural and entertainment activities. Some main activities in the festival include:

Nghinh Ong procession

The Nghinh Ong procession is one of the important and prominent activities in the Nghinh Ong festival. People will prepare altars and offerings to welcome Nghinh Ong. After that, they will together take Nghinh Ong home from the temple and pray for peace and success in life.

Boat racing Festival

Boat racing is a traditional activity and is considered a symbol of the Nghinh Ong festival. On the 16th day of the lunar calendar, hundreds of boats will participate in the race at sea. This is a fun and entertaining activity that attracts many visitors to the festival.

Cultural activities

In addition to the main activities, the Nghinh Ong festival also has many cultural activities such as water puppet performances, traditional musical instruments, and folk games. This is an opportunity for visitors to experience and learn about the unique culture of Vietnam's coastal region.

Traditional festival

Nghinh Ong Festival has existed for a long time and has become one of the traditional festivals of coastal people in Vietnam. Each year, the festival is held with careful preparation and enthusiasm of the community. This is also an opportunity for young generations to continue, preserve, and promote traditional cultural values.

Monuments and venues

Nghinh Ong Festival is held in many coastal areas of Vietnam, but there are outstanding locations that are loved by tourists. Some locations for the Nghinh Ong festival are:

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is one of the famous places and attracts many tourists to attend the Nghinh Ong festival. The festival here takes place in coastal areas such as Bai Sau, Thuy Van, Long Son, Doi Cam, and Rach Dua. Visitors can participate in main activities and experience the typical culture of the coastal area.

Binh Thuan

Nghinh Ong Festival in Binh Thuan takes place in coastal areas such as Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Hon Rom, and La Gi. In particular, the festival in Mui Ne has the participation of boat groups from the Central and Southern provinces, creating a very special and diverse space.

Khanh Hoa

Nghinh Ong Festival in Khanh Hoa takes place in coastal areas such as Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and Van Gia. The highlight of the festival here is the boat race on the sea and traditional cultural activities.

Big events:

Nghinh Ong Festival has many outstanding events and attracts a large number of tourists to attend. Some notable events during the festival are:

Contest to learn about Nghinh Ong culture

This is a contest for students to learn and introduce Nghinh Ong culture. The contest was held before the festival and attracted the participation of a large number of students.

Boat racing competition at sea

This is an outstanding activity and attracts a large number of visitors to the festival. Boat groups from the Central and Southern provinces will participate in the race at sea and compete with each other.

Food Festival

Nghinh Ong Festival also has food stalls with many coastal specialties. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes and experience the typical culinary culture of the coastal region.

Notes when participating in the festival

- Skin:

Choose clothing that matches the festival atmosphere and local culture. Avoid wearing clothes that are too provocative or offensive, and limit wearing clothes that may offend beliefs or traditions.

- Respect rituals:

Always respect rituals and festivals. Avoid disturbing or intruding on religious or cultural ceremonies taking place.

- Personal safety:

Keep yourself and those around you safe. Avoid participating in activities that could be dangerous or pose a safety challenge.

- Shop from local businesses:

When shopping for products or food, prioritize choosing from local businesses to support the community.

- Accept the invitation to join:

If you receive an invitation to participate in activities or ceremonies, accept it with respect and enthusiasm.

- Limit the use of consumables:

Avoid using many consumable items such as plastic dishes or plastic straws. This helps reduce waste and protect the environment.

- Visit religious sites with respect:

If you visit temples, shrines, or religious places, please keep quiet and respect the special rules at these places.

- Record and take photos carefully:

When taking photos or recording videos, make sure you have consent from those appearing in the photo and avoid disturbing others.

- Visit museums or cultural tourist attractions:

If you have the opportunity, visit museums or cultural attractions to better understand local history and traditions.

- Keep your health:

Keep yourself healthy by maintaining a balanced diet and drinking enough water, especially when participating in outdoor or long-term activities.

CONCLUDE

Nghinh Ong Festival is an unique and meaningful cultural feature of the coastal people of Vietnam. Taking place on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month every year, the Nghinh Ong festival attracts a large number of tourists to attend with main activities such as the Nghinh Ong procession, boat race at sea, and cultural activities. This is also an opportunity to honor fishing and connect with the community. Hopefully, through this article, you will understand more about the Nghinh Ong festival and have more motivation to attend this festival in the future.