Catching specialty fish in the sacred stream

Places preserving ancient Thai script memories

Located in the quiet space of Vang Lin village, Yen Hoa commune (Nghe An province), Vang Lin temple is nestled under the shade of many ancient trees. In front of the temple is a clear stream flowing year-round, creating a peaceful scene that has been associated with the lives of people here for a long time.

According to the elders in the village, Vang Lin is an ancient Thai village formed before the 18th century. Through many generations, there are currently many clans living continuously in the village from 10-11 generations.

To commemorate the predecessors who contributed to land reclamation and village establishment, the people built Lang Lin Temple to worship three gods: Xổng Nguyên, Xổng Thài and Xổng Dương.

Previously, the temple was built quite solidly, with a solid stone floor. By the 1960s, the structure was still almost intact. However, over time and historical changes, the temple gradually deteriorated and now only the old foundation remains.

Although no longer in its original state, in the minds of the people of Vang Lin village, this place is still considered a sacred place. Every time the village has a big matter or encounters difficulties, people often come to the temple to offer sacrifices and pray for peace. The stories passed down through many generations make the temple a spiritual support and familiar religious activity of the community.

Every year, in January, people organize the Lang Lin Temple festival (Ta Den). This is an occasion to commemorate the merits of the predecessors, and at the same time pray for favorable weather, good harvests and peaceful life.

The ceremony part is solemnly organized with traditional rituals, expressing sincerity towards the roots. Then comes the festival part with many cultural activities and folk games imbued with Thai ethnic identity, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate.

Specialty fishing

One of the most anticipated activities at the festival is the cool fish catching festival on the stream flowing through the temple.

Cool fish is a specialty fish of this stream region, often living in schools in rock crevices, where the water flows fast and the ground is clean, so the meat is fragrant and firm. From cool fish, people process many typical dishes such as grilled fish in bamboo tubes or fish salad.

Due to its high economic value ranging from about 350,000 to 550,000 VND/kg, this fish species was once overexploited.

Mr. Lo Thanh Binh - Vice Chairman of Yen Hoa Commune People's Committee - said that the people of Vang Lin village have voluntarily protected the stream section more than 1km long flowing through the temple. Throughout the year, fish sauce is strictly preserved and only during festivals do people fish together to serve rituals and community activities.

Fishing is carried out by traditional methods such as nets, nets, and rackets. This year, people caught about 40kg of cool fish. This amount of fish is then divided equally and processed right by the stream bank for everyone to enjoy in the festive atmosphere.

Not only in Yen Hoa commune, many localities in the Nghe An border region are also implementing measures to protect this specialty fish species.

At the cool fish stream in Tam Thai commune, the government has zoned 5 areas where fish live, each area about 1km long to prohibit exploitation in any form. Along these stream sections, many prohibition signs are planted and surveillance cameras are installed to protect natural fish resources for a long time.