Cau Ngu festival in Khanh Hoa recognized as national heritage

(Cinet)– Khanh Hoa province organized the honouring ceremony of Cau Ngu festival (whale worship) as National Intangible Cultural Heritage on April 10.

Khanh Hoa province, with its 380 km of coastline, is rich in seafood and aquatic farming. Currently, the locality has nearly 10,000 fishing vessels manned by around 32,000 fishermen. The average annual haul of the province is around 80,000 tonnes.

Cau Ngu (also known as Nghinh Ong) festival represents the spiritual life of locals in coastal localities in the south-central region, and derives from the Nam Hai (Whale Saint) worshipping custom.

The festival is held annually after the Lunar New Year, when fishermen start a new fishing season. It aims to express gratitude towards Nam Hai for safeguarding fishermen, and pray for bumper hauls of fish, safe voyages and peace for the nation.

The festival is organized for 1-3 days both at sea and in temples, covering a number of traditional practices and art performances.

This simulation activity and the festival as a whole are the way villagers commemorate their beloved God. Cau Ngu Festival has become not only an inevitable event but also an art performance imbued with the color of traditions.