The incense offering and carp release ceremony took place on the morning of the 20th day of the 12th lunar month, with representatives from central ministries and agencies, Hanoi city, and distinguished overseas Vietnamese from various countries and territories in attendance.

This event is part of the Homeland Spring 2026 program, organized annually by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hanoi People's Committee. The program aims to preserve traditional cultural beauty during the Tet Lunar New Year and strengthen national unity, particularly among the overseas Vietnamese community.

President Luong Cuong and his spouse perform the carp release ritual at Hoan Kiem Lake on the morning of 8/2. Photo: Hoang Phong.

As part of the program, the President and his spouse met and conversed with overseas Vietnamese about their work and lives. They expressed appreciation and gratitude to the overseas Vietnamese community for always looking towards their homeland, wishing them a new year of peace, prosperity, and success.

Earlier, the delegation of overseas Vietnamese paid respects at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bac Son street, Hanoi.

The President and his spouse greet representatives of overseas Vietnamese. Photo: Hoang Phong.

According to the program, on the evening of 8/2, President Luong Cuong will extend Tet greetings to overseas Vietnamese and beat the ceremonial drum to usher in spring at the Homeland Spring 2026 art exchange program, held at the National Convention Center.

The Homeland Spring 2026 program, themed "Vietnam's Aspiration: Peace, Prosperity," runs from 6/2 to 9/2, or the 19th to the 22nd day of the 12th lunar month in the Year of the Snake. It takes place in Hanoi with connections to Ninh Binh, and welcomes about 1,500 overseas Vietnamese.

Earlier, the overseas Vietnamese delegation paid respects at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bac Son street. Photo: Hoang Phong.

Nguyen Phong