10/02/2026
Ong Cong Ong Tao – Vietnam’s Kitchen Gods Day
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Vietnamese families celebrate a special tradition called Ong Cong Ong Tao, often known as the Kitchen Gods Day. Taking place on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, this ritual marks the moment when the Kitchen Gods leave each home to report the family’s deeds to the Jade Emperor in heaven.
On this day, homes across Vietnam are carefully cleaned, kitchen altars are refreshed, and offerings are prepared—usually fruits, traditional dishes, incense, and paper votive items. One of the most unique sights you might see is the release of live carp into rivers or lakes. According to folklore, the carp become the heavenly “transport” that carries the Kitchen Gods on their journey to the sky.
Beyond the ritual itself, Ong Cong Ong Tao is deeply symbolic. It’s a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewal—an emotional farewell to the old year and a gentle reminder to start the new one with kindness, harmony, and respect for family life.
If you’re traveling in Vietnam around this time, you’ll witness a quieter, more intimate side of local culture—one that beautifully blends spirituality, everyday life, and the anticipation of Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).
🌿 A small ceremony, a big meaning—this is how Vietnam welcomes a new beginning.
