
Nguyen Van Huu, Chairman of the People’s Committeeof Quang Tho ward in Ba Don town said local authorities coordinated withresidents to bury the decomposing whale, measuring 7-8m in length, immediatelyafter finding the carcass on March 2.
Vietnamese coastal residents have believed thatwhales would help fishermen at sea. So, they often rescue the animals whey theyrun aground or bury the dead ones.
Cau Ngu (whale worship) festival is part of thecultural identity of Vietnam’s central coastal localities, which has beenpreserved and passed down through the generations.
The festival is held annually after the Lunar NewYear, when fishermen start a new fishing season. It aims to express gratitudetowards Nam Hai for safeguarding fishermen, and pray for bumper hauls of fish,safe voyages and peace for the nation./.