Thousands of shimmering lanterns shine on Kien River

Singing and dancing performance at the lantern festival praying for national peace and prosperity.

People watch the opening ceremony of the "Flower lantern festival praying for national peace and prosperity".

People and tourists from all over gather here, together releasing lanterns, praying for national prosperity, people's peace, blending in with the unique cultural colors of the Mekong Delta. Releasing flower lanterns is a long-standing tradition of the Vietnamese people, usually on major holidays, especially at the beginning of the new year, to celebrate festivals, and pray for national peace and prosperity.

At the lantern festival, Mr. Dang Hoang Lam, resident of Binh Tri Dong ward ( Ho Chi Minh City) emotionally said that this was the first time he was able to immerse himself in the festive atmosphere which was crowded but very orderly and peaceful.

According to Mr. Lam, although the crowd of people coming to the lantern release area was quite crowded, it was not noisy, there was no jostling, everyone maintained order, creating a sacred and beautiful scene. "I released the lanterns with the wish that everyone would have good luck, peace and together build a happier, better life. The festival night really has a profound meaning in the festival", he expressed.

Rach Gia ward union members light candles for flower lanterns, preparing to release them into Kien river.

Leaders of the Department of Culture and Sports of An Giang province and Rach Gia ward were the first delegates to release flower lanterns.

Vice Chairwoman of Rach Gia Ward People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hong Linh said that 2018 was the first year the activity of releasing flower lanterns to pray for national peace and prosperity was included in the traditional festival commemorating the sacrifice of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc and this activity has been maintained on the occasion of the festival since then until now.

“The shimmering lights of the flower lanterns on the surface of the Kien River are like the souls of the insurgents who have sent their bodies to the land of Kien Giang (now An Giang province). The Kien River still flows silently through the months and days, slanting past the old “Kien Giang garrison”, where the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc and his insurgents attacked and burned down in a dark night, making famous the “Kien Giang Sword, Praying to the Gods and Ghosts”, said Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Linh.

The flower lantern release dock was crowded with people.

Hundreds of union members and youths prepare flower lanterns for delegates, people and tourists to release.

"The Lantern Festival for National Peace and Prosperity" is held to honor the spiritual and cultural values and the beauty of the Vietnamese people's spiritual culture. Everyone prays together for a peaceful country, favorable weather, and for people to live and work in peace. At the same time, the sparkling lanterns on the Kien River tonight brighten up the festival space, making Rach Gia ward even more brilliant at night.