Binh Thuan approves whale-worshipping festival conservation project

In a bit to preserve and promote the unique traditional culture of fishermen while boosting local tourism and contributing to socio-economic development, the People’s Committee of the south-central province of Binh Thuan has approved a project on the conservation of the Cau Ngu (whale-worshipping) Festival at Van Thuy Tu Temple in Duc Thang ward, Phan Thiet city.

The long-term conservation and sustainable promotion of the unique folkloric values of the Cau Ngu Festival at Van Thuy Tu Temple will not only meet the religious and spiritual needs of local people but also see the festival become an attractive tourism offering that attracts domestic and foreign visitors.

From 2022 onwards, the annual Cau Ngu Festival will take place during the 6th lunar month and the Phan Thiet City People’s Committee will be in charge of its organisation.

The festival is a key part of life in the city’s fishing villages and an important spiritual and cultural event, held in the hope of securing the favour of the sea god.

Over the last 10 years, however, the festival has been in danger of disappearing.

In 2019, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a Decision approving the Cau Ngu Festival as a national intangible heritage./.

VNA