Fishing Festival in Canh Duong village, Quang Binh province (photo: Thanh Hieu/ VOV)

The worship derives from the local fishermen’s belief that whales help boats in distress.

Nguyen Van Cuong of Thuong Giang village said: “This is an important festival, starting the New Year’s fishing voyages. All boats, which work in coastal and offshore areas, go out to sea to fish. We pray to heaven, earth, and the sea to bless us with safety and favorable conditions.”

After the worship, boats prepare for their first voyages in the Lunar New Year 2024. (photo: Thanh Hieu/ VOV)