KITCHEN GOD DAY 2026 OFFICIALLY RETURNS WITH A NEW THEME AND EXPANDED ACTIVITIES

Kitchen God Day is an annual campaign by Keep Vietnam Clean (KVC), dedicated to promoting responsible fish release practices and protecting water sources during the Kitchen Gods Festival. In 2026, the campaign returns with a fresh, creative theme and an expanded series of community activities, continuing the journey to help the Kitchen Gods “return to clean waters.”

This article provides an overview of the campaign, highlights what’s new this year, and shares how individuals and organizations can get involved.

A WORD OF GRATITUDE TO OUR CAMPAIGN SPONSORS

On this occasion, Keep Vietnam Clean would like to express our sincere appreciation to our partners and sponsors:

  • Media Patron: YBOX.VN
  • Silver Sponsor: Asian Trails
  • Bronze Sponsors: Pacific Environment Vietnam (PEVN); Hanoi Toronto School (HTS); Enzyco; Wide Eyed Tours & Travel; Kapiti College
  • Supporting Sponsors: EXO Travel; British International School Hanoi (BIS); Acacia International Pre-school

The generous support of our partners provides not only essential resources to implement the campaign but also strong motivation to bring the message of a civilized, safe, and environmentally responsible Lunar New Year closer to the community.

THE ORIGIN OF KITCHEN GOD DAY: INSPIRED BY THE KITCHEN GODS TRADITION

Every year on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Vietnamese families perform the sacred ritual of sending the Kitchen Gods back to Heaven. From releasing carp to burning votive paper offerings based on the belief that “the afterlife mirrors the earthly world,” this tradition represents spiritual connection, remembrance of ancestors, and wishes for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

However, for many years, improper ritual practices have led to concerning environmental consequences. Ash from burnt votive paper, plastic bags, and other waste have often been discarded directly into rivers and lakes, seriously impacting water quality and urban ecosystems.

Back in 2017, KVC was still a small volunteer group. After witnessing people releasing carp along with plastic bags and votive ash into the Red River, James Kendall stayed behind to clean up the riverbank. That single act of responsibility became the inspiration for the Kitchen God Day (KGD) campaign – an annual initiative aimed at raising public awareness of the environmental impacts of votive ash and plastic waste.

Over the past nine years, Kitchen God Day has developed into a large-scale annual campaign built on three main pillars:

  • Communication & Education: Raising awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic waste and votive ash.
  • Research & Advocacy: Promoting sustainable alternatives to traditional harmful practices.
  • Cleanup Activities: Organizing river and lake cleanups at major fish-release locations.

Thanks to the dedication of more than 10,000 volunteers over the years, Keep Vietnam Clean has witnessed positive changes: more people are releasing fish responsibly, reducing plastic bag usage, and paying closer attention to the environmental impacts of votive paper burning. 

WHAT’S NEW IN KITCHEN GOD DAY 2026?

In 2026, Keep Vietnam Clean officially launches Kitchen God Day under the theme:

“Green the Waters, Welcome Blessings”

The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage practical actions toward a greener Lunar New Year. Its core message emphasizes that every good deed brings positive blessings—not only creating peace of mind but also “healing” waterways, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.

Key Focus Areas in 2026:

  • Stronger Communication & Research on Votive Ash: Deepening public understanding of its impacts on environmental quality and human health.
  • Expanded Local Education Activities: Direct engagement with local residents, youth unions, and students.
  • Launch of a Creative TikTok Competition: Encouraging young people to spread green messages in innovative and relatable ways.

As a social-impact organization, Keep Vietnam Clean deeply respects spiritual values in community life. Through this campaign, we aim to preserve cultural traditions while promoting more sustainable practices.

KEY ACTIVITIES OF KITCHEN GOD DAY 2026

The campaign runs from October 2025 to February 2026 and includes four main activities:

ACTIVITY 1: TIKTOK VIDEO CHALLENGE

“Clean Ash – Green Tet – Share Good Intentions”
October 28, 2025 – January 28, 2026

This TikTok content creation contest invites participants to explore and highlight the environmental and health impacts of votive ash and paper burning on soil, water, and air quality.

To support participants, KVC will also organize a side event:

Workshop: “Visual Storytelling – From Idea to Video”

A practical session designed to equip participants with creative ideas and technical skills to produce impactful videos.

Registration for both the competition and the workshop is now open. Turn your creative ideas into viral TikTok content and join Keep Vietnam Clean in spreading the message: “Clean Ash – Green Tet – Share Good Intention”

More information:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15snS9iyQv/

ACTIVITY 2: COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING AUCTION

“Embrace Vietnamese Culture”

January 9 – January 15, 2026

To connect partners and raise funds for the entire campaign, Keep Vietnam Clean will host a Silent Auction fundraising event titled “Embrace Vietnamese Culture.”

In addition to bidding on high-value items, attendees can enjoy a range of engaging cultural and networking activities throughout the event.

ACTIVITY 3: TRAINING & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

January 26 – February 1, 2026

This activity focuses on promoting sustainable spiritual practices and environmental protection during Tet.

The training is expected to engage:

  • 50 local residents and youth union members
  • 50 students from schools in the area

ACTIVITY 4: MAIN CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

February 8 – February 10, 2026

One of the most important highlights of Kitchen God Day 2026 is the three-day cleanup campaign in Bo De Ward.

Activities include:

  • Supporting residents in responsible fish release
  • Collecting plastic bags, votive ash, and abandoned offerings along the riverbanks
  • Hiring boats to remove floating waste from the river surface

JOIN KITCHEN GOD DAY 2026

You can support Kitchen God Day 2026 by:

  • Volunteering for campaign activities such as training sessions and cleanup events
  • Following updates on Keep Vietnam Clean’s official Fanpage
  • Partnering or sponsoring the campaign

For partnership and sponsorship inquiries:

📧 info@keepvietnamclean.org

Keep Vietnam Clean also welcomes individual donations. All contributions will support cleanup equipment, volunteer meals, and campaign communications.

Bank Information:

Account Number: 108406608 – ACB

Account Name: KVC Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.

Transfer Note: [Organization/Individual Name]_KGD2026

#KeepVietnamClean #CSR #ESG #CleanUpGreenUpOurCities