Annually, fishermen at two fishing villages of Ly Hung and Ly Luong co-organize the Cau Ngu (praying for a bumper fishing harvest) festival on the 10 th day of the fifth lunar month. The event is also locally called Hung Luong lagoon’s fishing festival. Coming to Nhon Ly on these days, anyone could see the fishermen’s happiness after a bumper harvest.

Fishermen carry out a ritual on their fishing boats. Photo Xuan Thuc

The fishermen carried out the ritual on the water at 7 am on May 9. Nine beautifully decorated boats carrying fishermen and items for the ritual moved to the sea and then returned to Nam Hai temple to continue another worshipping ceremony.

As usual, the festival takes place during three days. After the main ritual, other ceremonies are held later, such as sacrificing something to Gods or praying peace for forsanke spirits. The fishermen then step into their boats, aiming to pray for a new bumper harvest.

There are also various art performances and folk games during the festival, including ba trao singing, coracle racing, and other sports.

Thanks to the contribution from local people and overseas Vietnamese, the Nam Hai temple had been upgraded before the festival took place. “We are very happy when the temple was redecorated as it plays an important role in our spiritual life,” said Nguyen Van Manh, a local fisherman.

Many people who were born here but live far from home also visit their birthplace on this occasion. Huynh Cong Lac, an overseas Vietnamese in the US, donated money to the upgrade of the temple when returning home. He also sponsored a Tuong (classical drama) performance for the locals.

This year’s festival is expected to be broadcast on the Vietnam Television’s (VTV) channel, aiming to feature unique traditional festivals nationwide. The event was, therefore, organized with all distinctive features.

The festival shows the fishermen’s aspiration for peace and development. It is also a chance for fishermen to enjoy cultural and sport activities after returning home from prolonged working days at sea.

The festival is an annual event but it contains many invaluable cultural features which are deeply attached to fishermen.

• Sao Ly

 

Preparing for a ritual at sea.     Nine fishing boats carry fishermen and items for the worshipping ceremony.     Fishermen are carrying out a ritual on a fishing boat.     A lion dance at the courtyard of Nam Hai temple.