Many traditional markets throughout the capital were crowded with local people preparing farewell ceremonies for “Ong Cong - Ong Tao”, also known as the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods, on the 23rd day of the last month of the lunar year, which falls on February 4.

Traditionally a farewell ceremony for the Land Genie and Kitchen Gods is held to mark their yearly visit to heaven, with the occasion being organised before midday on the 23rd day of the last lunar month of the year. Indeed, many local people flock to wet markets as they rush to arrange the ceremony in line with Vietnamese customs.

A variety of processed food, including boiled chicken, spring rolls, and sticky rice, prove popular as they help locals save time.

Carp is typically the most sought-after item on February 4. In Thai Ha market in Hanoi, three carps cost a total of VND50,000, equivalent to US$2.17, double the price in comparison to the same period from last year.

A trader says the lack of supply has led to the price of carps increasing twice against that of the previous year.

The price of fresh flowers remains stable, with a packet containing 10 daisy flowers being worth VND40,000, equal to US$1.73.

A peach branch is valued at VND120,000, equivalent to US$5.12.

Some types of fruit are cheap, with a single watermelon costing VND10,000, equivalent to US$0.43, per kilogram, whilst dragon fruit is priced at VND20,000, US$0.86, per kilogram.

Votive paper offerings prove to be the most popular item. Hoa, a trader at Nam Dong market, says she is able to sell 40 sets of votive paper offerings half an hour after opening the store.

Photos: Tienphong.vn