Happy gathering around the fire

The image of ethnic families gathering around the fire carries a deep meaning of connection and tradition. The fire is not only a place to cook but also a place to tell family stories, a place that contains cultural and spiritual values.

Every time we gather around the fire, we feel the sacred bond of love between parents and children. That is where we and the whole family prepare the feast, where traditional dishes are prepared with all the love, care and concern for each other.

According to the beliefs of some ethnic groups, the fireplace is also a place where gods reside, bringing luck and warmth to the family. Maintaining the traditional fireplace shows respect for the culture and roots of the nation.

The photo " Happiness " was taken by author duongvannguyen66 in Lan Chau village, Huu Lien commune, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province.

In the cozy kitchen space in the highlands, amidst the flickering fire and crisp laughter, happiness appears simply through the moment the whole family gathers together to roast corn and chat. The photo is a true slice of the daily life of ethnic minorities - where family values, affection and traditional culture are preserved through each generation. This is not only an image of joy, but also a message of a happy Vietnam - where everyone has the right to pursue prosperity, reunion and pride in their cultural roots.

The work was submitted by the author to participate in the "Happy Vietnam 2025" Award .

We invite readers and photographers from home and abroad to continue sending photos and videos to participate in the "Happy Vietnam 2025" Award . The award is organized by The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and Vietnam Television organized . Thereby, to continue to introduce and promote the image of the country, Vietnamese people, cultural values, nature across the country; arouse national pride, self-esteem and aspirations for development in all classes of Vietnamese people to join hands to build Vietnam to be increasingly prosperous, prosperous and happy.

Deadline for submission of works: From May 22, 2025 to September 30, 2025. Entries are accepted online at : https://happy.vietnam.vn  

Contestants: Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and over

The award consists of two categories: Photo and Video .

Each contest category (photo and video) will have one First Prize worth 50,000,000 VND, two Second Prizes worth 30,000,000 VND, three Third Prizes worth 15,000,000 VND, 10 Encouragement Prizes worth 5,000,000 VND, one Most Voted Work Prize worth 5,000,000 VND.

The Organizing Committee encourages and will award a creative prize in each category (photo and video) worth 20,000,000 VND for works with new ideas, creativity in content and form of expression.

In addition, the Organizing Committee will award monthly prizes including First, Second, and Third prizes to the highest voted works of the month in each category.

The Jury will select the award through two rounds of Preliminary and Final, both online and in person.

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