Nghinh Ong Festival is one of the most unique cultural events in Kien Giang, taking place on the 15th and 16th of the 10th lunar month every year. This is an opportunity for local fishermen to express their gratitude to the sea and pray for a year of good rain and wind, full of fish and shrimp. With solemn rituals and exciting fun activities, the festival not only attracts local people but also attracts tourists from all over to participate and explore. Let’s join Ha Tien Vegas to learn about this unique cultural beauty and the interesting things that the festival brings.
A brief introduction about Nghinh Ong Festival
Nghinh Ong Festival has long become one of the typical beauties in the religious culture of coastal people, with many other names such as: “Ong” fish sacrifice ceremony, Fishery praying ceremony, Nghinh Ong festival,… Although they have many different names, they all carry the same concept that the “Mr.” fish is a sacred creature in the sea, their savior every time their ship or boat is in trouble at sea. The festival is also an opportunity for fishermen to pray for peace on their trips to sea, wishing for a bumper fishing season and a prosperous and happy life.
Time and location of Nghinh Ong Festival
Fishermen in the Central and Southern regions have long passed down many different legends and stories about the origin of Mr. Nam Hai saving fishermen at sea. The day of worshiping him takes place in different places, depending on which day Mr. Nam Hai “falls” and people take that day as the day of worship. But usually, Mr. Nam Hai often “falls” in months with rough seas, lots of wind and storms, and being washed ashore by waves, such as: In Binh Dai, Ben Tre, the 16th day of the 6th lunar month is taken to worship him; In Tran De, Soc Trang, the days are taken on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd of the third lunar month; In Song Doc, Ca Mau, the worshiping ceremony is held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of the second lunar month; In Cau Ngang, Tra Vinh, worship on the 10th, 11th, 12th day of the 5th lunar month. In Kien Giang, every time the 15th and 16th of the 10th lunar month approaches, Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district is bustling with preparations for Nghinh Ong Festival – One of the largest sea festivals in Kien Giang province. Lai Son commune, located right in the center of the island, is always the most anticipated event venue for fishing villagers.
In Kien Giang, there are many places to worship Mr. Nam Hai and annual worshiping organizations are maintained regularly such as in Rach Gia city, Phu Quoc, Ha Tien and Kien Luong, Chau Thanh and Kien Hai districts. Among them, Nghinh Ong Festival in Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district is organized on a large scale, attracting a large number of people to attend. Nghinh Ong Festival in Lai Son commune was organized many generations ago and has been passed down to the present, contributing to preserving and nurturing cultural values in the coastal area, enriching local cultural identity.
What is special about Nghinh Ong Festival in Kien Hai – Kien Giang?
The festival associated with the Provincial Historical and Cultural Relic of Nam Hai Great General’s Temple (referred to as Lang Ong Nam Hai) is organized in two parts: the ceremony and the festival.
Ritual part of the Festival
Nghinh Ong Nam Hai Ceremony is the most important ritual with a clear community character, opening the door for dozens of subsequent rituals. The procession includes many participants, especially the ceremony ship: consisting of 03 to 05 vehicles that can be side by side, the ships are decorated splendidly and solemnly with colorful flags. The ceremony master boat leads a parade of about 20 boats around the island to “process him” amid the bustling cheers of drums and gongs, following a route from Dinh Ong Nam Hai down to Thien Tue beach, to the “procession him” point. at sea and return to the wharf.
Assembly part
Besides the ceremony, the festival is organized on a large scale and each year there are many additions and innovations, with sports competitions, folk games, and exciting art performances creating the appeal of the Festival. Festivals such as: Mountain climbing tournament to conquer Ma Thien Lanh peak; Traditional Boat Race; Swimming tournament; culinary contest… Nghinh Ong Festival aims to satisfy the need for fun and rest after hard working days at sea, and is an opportunity to welcome relatives and tourists to visit and sympathize with the people. coastal area.
Since 2016, Kien Hai district has organized an annual Festival associated with each theme to enhance propaganda and education about love for the profession, love for the homeland, the sacred islands and islands of the Fatherland; At the same time, promote and introduce the image of Kien Hai tourism with beautiful, unique and pristine but charming beaches and islands; along with a system of historical and cultural relics associated with folk festivals; Traditional craft villages in the coastal area create a strong, irresistible attraction for those who set foot here.
When participating in Nghinh Ong Festival in Lai Son commune, visitors will not only discover and learn about the unique festival culture of coastal residents but also experience many developing types of tourism such as vacation tourism. nutrition, ecology, hill gardens, mountain climbing, camping, night squid fishing, sea urchin catching, coral watching and enjoying delicious dishes and wonderful specialties, typical of the flavors of the sea.
Kien Hai tourism has gradually prospered and developed quite rapidly, contributing to economic restructuring, improving people’s lives, and promoting socio-economic development. The organization of the Festival is associated with the development of tourism and the marine economy, creating opportunities for localities to promote and enhance the tourism brand. Nghinh Ong Festival in Lai Son commune promises to build unique and attractive tourism products, contributing to renewing the appearance of tourism culture in Kien Hai island district.
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If you have the opportunity to travel to Kien Giang to attend Nghinh Ong festival, you can take advantage of Ha Tien city to visit more interesting places and stay overnight at Ha Tien Vegas right next to Ha Tien – Kampong Trach border gate and continue. journey to explore Ha Tien or Kampot the next day.
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