On the afternoon of September 6 (Full Moon of the 7th lunar month), at the five lantern roundabout, Tran Hung Dao Street (Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), crowded with people, mostly young people, gathered since noon. Many people prepare all kinds of "professional items" such as rackets, plastic trays, and even climb onto electric boats to compete for fortune. Despite the hot weather, the crowd still patiently waited for many hours, causing traffic congestion around the area, causing frustration for people traveling.
However, at around 3:00 p.m., the homeowner announced that he would not distribute money like every year. Mr. Tran Ban Tri (63 years old, representative of a business establishment in the area) said: "This year we decided not to spread money because we were worried about the situation of disorder. Instead, gifts including rice, sugar, salt, and cooking oil have been prepared to distribute to people in difficult circumstances through gift receipts. This decision disappointed many people, but also received the consensus of local people because it limited the fighting and chaos like every year.
Meanwhile, in some households around the area, they still keep the habit of spreading money, immediately dozens of young men rushed in to fight, creating chaos. Worryingly, some people brought homemade weapons, causing insecurity and making surrounding residents worried.
The authorities arrived in time to control the situation and prevent the risk of fighting. The local government said it will increase propaganda and remind households to change the form of rice leafing to ensure security.
According to customs, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is also known as the "Since the War of the Monkey" or "Vu Lan Festival". In addition to the meaning of showing gratitude to ancestors and praying for the dead, the people of the South also maintain the custom of "taking away the soul" as a way to share and give gifts. However, when the routine is transformed into a jostling scene, even carrying weapons, the risk of violating the law is real. Cultural experts say that it is necessary to encourage people to switch to organized and civilized forms of gift-giving and fortune-telling to preserve the inherent humanistic meaning of customs, while avoiding disruption of public order.
