On the 23rd day of the last lunar month every year, rivers, lakes, and ponds across Vietnam become bustling as people release carp into the water, sending with them wishes for a prosperous new year. The carp, symbolizing perseverance and transformation into a dragon, carry the Kitchen Gods (Ông Công, Ông Táo) back to Heaven—a beautiful and indispensable part of Vietnamese spiritual culture. However, along with the fish, plastic bags, joss paper, and ashes are often “accidentally” released into the water, creating a burden on the environment. That is why Keep Vietnam Clean has launched a campaign for this special occasion, not only to protect the environment but also to reimagine Tet traditions in a greener way.
Join Keep Vietnam Clean on this meaningful journey with our launch event supporting citizens in releasing carp responsibly!
1. Environmental Cleanup Launch Event
Responding to the movement “Bright – Green – Clean – Beautiful” initiated by the People’s Committee of Hanoi, Keep Vietnam Clean, in collaboration with partners, is organizing an environmental cleanup launch event on January 21, 2025 at Hoa Binh Park (Xuan Dinh Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi).
The event will gather more than 100 participants, including staff of KVC Social Enterprise, leaders and staff from the Women’s Union of Bac Tu Liem District, as well as teachers and students from the British Vietnamese International School (BVIS). Together, they will clean up public spaces.
With the spirit of “One small action, one big change”, every plastic bag or piece of trash collected carries a message of environmental protection, helping restore the green beauty of rivers and lakes. This is not just a simple cleanup activity, but also a way for each person to demonstrate responsibility toward nature and spread the spirit of sustainable living at the start of the new year.
2. Joining Hands for a Green Environment: Guiding People to Release Carp Responsibly
Following the launch event, on January 21–22, 2025 (the 22nd–23rd days of the lunar month), the campaign “Kitchen God Day 2025” will implement carp-release guidance activities at multiple sites across Hanoi.
In Bac Tu Liem District, the official launch ceremony will take place at Chem Temple, with additional supporting points at rivers, lakes, and ponds registered by local wards. In Long Bien District, the campaign will also be held at the carp-release site under Chuong Duong Bridge, with participation from members of the Women’s Union, local authorities, and volunteer groups such as Asia Travel & Leisure and Wide Eyed.
This activity not only helps people understand the cultural meaning of the carp-release tradition but also spreads the message: “Release carp, not plastic bags.” Small actions such as avoiding the disposal of joss paper or ashes into the water are practical steps to preserve a clean living environment while honoring the spiritual values of Vietnamese culture. In this way, the Kitchen Gods ritual can evolve into a civilized tradition that harmonizes cultural heritage with modern awareness.
The campaign “Kitchen God Day 2025” is not only about preserving a cherished Vietnamese tradition but also about promoting a green, sustainable lifestyle. Every small action—releasing carp responsibly, avoiding plastic bags, and not discarding joss paper into the water—contributes to environmental protection and builds a responsible, civilized community.
Let’s join Keep Vietnam Clean in spreading this meaningful message so that Tet is not only a season of love but also a season of action for a greener environment!