Brilliant lanterns light up Dong Nai River

On the evening of March 1 (the 13th day of the first lunar month of the year of the Horse), a lantern release ceremony took place on the Dong Nai River in front of That Phu Ancient Temple (Ong Pagoda), drawing large crowds of local residents and visitors. The event marked the closing activity of the 11th Ong Pagoda Festival in 2026.

Lanterns neatly arranged along the riverbank await the release ceremony. Photo: Minh Hanh

From early afternoon, many residents gathered at the venue to receive lanterns, write down their wishes and wait for the ritual to begin. Meanwhile, volunteers and members of the organizing committee continuously guided participants, arranged candle-lighting areas and ensured safety along the riverbank. As the ceremony commenced, thousands of lanterns were lit and gently set adrift on the water, creating a radiant spectacle stretching along a section of the Dong Nai River.

The organizing committee prepares lanterns for the ceremony. Photo: Minh Hanh

Residents receive lanterns and write their wishes on paper. Photo: Minh Hanh

According to the organizing committee, the lantern release ritual symbolizes prayers for peace and good fortune, reflecting a harmonious blend of traditional cultural beauty and the spiritual life of the local community. At the same time, the activity offers an opportunity for people to come together and look toward positive values in the new year.

Bo Gia Man from Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province, assists in lighting candles for the lanterns. Photo: Minh Hanh

Bo Gia Man, 22, from Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province, who volunteered to support the event, said that the number of lanterns this year exceeded that of previous years and that the organization was more methodical. “I am in charge of arranging and lighting candles for residents. Seeing everyone enthusiastically taking part, I can clearly feel the festive atmosphere spreading more widely each year,” Man shared.

For Tran Thi Hoa from Binh Minh commune, Dong Nai province, this was her first time participating in the lantern release. She arrived at Ong Pagoda early in the afternoon with her neighbors to ensure she could join the ceremony. After releasing her lantern, she said: “I pray for peace for my family, for my children to study well and for my parents to stay healthy. If I have the chance next year, I will certainly take part again.”

The lantern release ceremony on the Dong Nai River thus concluded a series of early-spring festival activities at Ong Pagoda, while conveying the community’s hopes for a peaceful and happy new year.

Below are several images recorded at the event:

Residents gather early in front of Ong Pagoda to wait for the lantern release ceremony. Photo: Minh Hanh

Many families join the festival together, sending their wishes for the new year. Photo: Minh Hanh

A close-up of neatly arranged lanterns before the ceremony. Photo: Minh Hanh

Lanterns glow brightly before being released. Photo: Minh Hanh

Residents capture moments of the festival on their phones to preserve early-year memories. Photo: Minh Hanh

Participants line up in an orderly manner before the ritual begins. Photo: Minh Hanh

Residents proceed to the riverbank to release their lanterns. Photo: Minh Hanh

The organizing committee assists with releasing lanterns onto the river. Photo: Minh Hanh

Lanterns drift slowly along the river surface, carrying wishes for peace. Photo: Minh Hanh

A fireworks display marks the conclusion of the 2026 Ong Pagoda Festival season. Photo: Minh Hanh

By Minh Hanh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha