According to reporters' records, from about 7-8 am on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Dieu Phap pagoda area began to become crowded with people coming to release carp and release birds, praying for a new year of peace, happiness and good luck.
Carp release and release have become a traditional custom of many families every year-end occasion. Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Suong, residing in Binh Loi ward, shared that this is a habit she maintains every year. "Every year on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, I come here to release fish. One is to pray for the family's peace and happiness in the new year; two is to release and free birds and carp" - Ms. Suong said.
Compared to previous years, the area selling carp and released birds in front of Dieu Phap Pagoda this year no longer has scenes of people queuing crowdedly to buy. Many people said that they have proactively prepared fish from the previous day, bought at markets near their houses, and then brought them to the pagoda to release on the morning of December 23rd of the lunar calendar.
Mr. Tran Minh Hoang, residing in Hiep Binh Chanh ward, said that this year he and his family prepared carp early to avoid jostling. "I bought fish from yesterday at the market near my house and this morning brought them to the pagoda to release. Releasing fish and releasing them not only has spiritual meaning but also reminds children and grandchildren in the family about compassion and goodness in life" - Mr. Hoang shared.
The types chosen by people for release are mainly carp, catfish and birds. Although the trading atmosphere is somewhat quieter, the fish release and release activities still take place solemnly, showing the beauty of spiritual culture and the spirit of goodness of the people in the last days of the year.
