Khanh Hoa preps for whale festival

The Nghinh Ong (Whale Worship) Festival in the central province of Khanh Hoa will be held on January 24 in fishing villages.
The festival, held on the 15th of the last lunar month every year, is held to worship Whale Saint for protecting fishermen at sea and pray for bumper fish catches.
The festival begins early in the morning and involves several rituals, including a procession on land and at sea by local fishermen wearing traditional costumes, traditional games, and music and dance performances.
The festival, organised in the communal house of each fishing village, has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Nghinh Ong Festival is celebrated in many coastal provinces and cities during various times of the year.