On this day, families across Vietnam bid farewell the Kitchen Gods to thank them for watching over their house for another year. The Kitchen Gods will begin their trip to visit the Jade Emperor.
Many believe the release of the strong and fast carp into local ponds, rivers and lakes can help transport the Kitchen Gods to heaven. After finishing their mission, the carp will transform into dragons.
It is said that the Gods will then report to the Jade Emperor on the life of homeowners and pray for luck, happiness and prosperity for all members of the house in the coming year.
Yellow and red carps are the most sought-after products in local wet markets today. People usually release them after the ritual at their home.
Yen So is the largest fish wholesale market in Hanoi
Carp sold at the market are mostly bought from northern provinces, including Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Phu Tho and Thai Binh. Each carp costs around VND150,000 (USD6.8) a kilo
According to traders, this year, due to the lower supply, carp prices are higher than previous years
Traders come to the market to buy the fish and then transport them to retail markets in Hanoi to sell
The wholesale price of a carp is around just VND5,000, but it is much higher when sold at retail markets in Hanoi
