President Luong Cuong and his wife, along with a delegation of overseas Vietnamese returning home for the Lunar New Year 2025, released carp at Uncle Ho's Fish Pond inside the Presidential Palace Relic Site today [January 19].
| The ceremony of releasing fish takes place in a solemn and joyful atmosphere. |
The event was part of the "Homeland Spring 2025" program, which was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese.
Earlier in the day, President Luong Cuong, his wife, representatives from ministries and Hanoi, and the Vietnamese overseas delegation paid their respects at the Kinh Thien Palace within the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The palace was an important venue for Vietnam's feudal courts to meet and discuss state affairs for centuries.
Meanwhile, the "Ong Cong - Ong Tao" (Land Genie and Kitchen God) worshiping ritual, held on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, is one of the most important ceremonies in Vietnam. It involves saying goodbye to the Kitchen Gods, who ascend to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on the performance of the household in the whole year.
| The incense offering ceremony, an act of respect and gratitude to the ancestors, is held at the Kinh Thien Palace within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. |
This morning, the overseas Vietnamese delegation visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay tribute to the late President at the Presidential Palace Relics. They also attended a ceremony to declare three cars once used by President Ho Chi Minh as national treasures. The delegation later paid respects to heroic martyrs at the Monument on Bac Son Street.
At the Presidential Palace, in a festive spring atmosphere, President Luong Cuong extended warm greetings to overseas Vietnamese and wished them a happy New Year. He expressed his hope that they will continue to contribute to both their host countries and homeland.
Tran Hai Linh, Chairman of the Korean Business and Investment Association, shared his emotions about returning home to celebrate the Lunar New Year. He expressed his pride in being part of the overseas Vietnamese community participating in the "Homeland Spring 2025" program.
| Overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation. |
"Spending the New Year back in the country is a unique experience. We see the enthusiasm of the people and the nation's progress, especially in recent years as Vietnam has achieved impressive socio-economic growth. We hope that the country will grow stronger in the new era," Linh said.
Vo Toan Trung, Head of the Rehabilitation Department at Bullion Paris Hospital, also expressed his appreciation for the care given to overseas Vietnamese by the Party, State, and Government. "We feel the warmth of returning to our homeland. This warmth comes from many sources - the spring air, warm reunions, and the welcoming gestures of the country's leaders." "Overseas Vietnamese wish to see Vietnam continue to develop and stand strong alongside the world's leading powers," he added.
| The contributions of overseas Vietnamese to their homeland are appreciated by both State leaders and the Vietnamese people. |
The "Homeland Spring 2025" program with the theme "Vietnam - Rising in the New Era" is running from January 18 to 21. This annual event holds great significance for the overseas Vietnamese community, strengthening their ties with their homeland.
As part of the "Homeland Spring 2025" program, the Vietnamese Cuisine Festival and the Spring Homeland Art Exchange Program 2025 will be held on the evening of January 19, 2025, at the My Dinh National Convention Center in Hanoi. The event will be broadcast live on VTV1 and VTV4.
