God of Wealth Day Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City

On the 10th day of the Lunar New Year, the streets of Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City buzzed with activity as vendors sold grilled snakehead fish, a traditional delicacy. This dish is associated with rituals honoring the God of Wealth, leading to a surge of customers eager to buy.

Shops quickly ran out of stock due to high demand, with vendors working hard to serve customers efficiently.

Early in the morning, customers formed long lines, eager to purchase grilled snakehead fish to partake in rituals believed to attract prosperity. Vendors lined the streets with multiple grills, filling the air with the aroma of smoking fish.

Nguyen Trung, a veteran vendor, prepared nearly two tons of fish, enlisting the help of about 40 people, including family members who had come from afar to assist. “The demand never fails to amaze me every God of Wealth Day. We start prepping early to keep up with the rush,” Trung explained.

Grilled snakehead fish holds great cultural importance, symbolizing luck and financial success. Many households and businesses prioritize buying several fish as part of their traditions.

Phan Thi Mai Hoa, who came from Long An Province to help her brother-in-law, remarked, “This dish is served with herbs, vermicelli, and rice paper, making it both complete and meaningful.”

Each fish, weighing 1 to 2 kilograms, is cleaned, skewered with sugarcane, and grilled. Prices typically range from $8 to $9, depending on size, with vendors reheating fish before serving, adding scallion oil, and wrapping them in foil for warmth.

By 7 a.m., buyers began showing up to secure their fish before heading off to work.

Ngoc Mai, a local resident, took her time choosing her fish. “I purchase grilled fish every year for God of Wealth Day. Prices may be higher now, but it’s worth it for fresh, high-quality fish,” she noted.

Others, such as Quoc Thinh, bought several fish for various occasions. “I got five fish; some are for my family, others for my office,” he said.

With the rush of customers, those arriving later had to wait about 10-15 minutes as vendors reheated fish for purchase.

This cherished tradition not only plays a vital role in local culture but also greatly benefits the vendors and their families. Each year, thousands of fish are sold, making this one of the most lucrative days for them.

As the celebrations for God of Wealth Day unfold, many in Ho Chi Minh City remain hopeful that these special offerings will pave the way for a prosperous year ahead.