The carp released for the Kitchen God ceremony were immediately caught by an electric net.

People were using electric shock devices to catch fish right in front of everyone who had just released them. Photo: Lam Tung.

On the morning of the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, many people in Vinh City went to the Vinh River to release carp as a farewell gesture to the Kitchen God and the Stove God as they ascend to heaven.

As soon as the fish were released into the Vinh River by the locals, some people using electric shock devices appeared, started electrofishing, and caught them right in front of everyone.

Most of the fish couldn't escape these people's nets. Photo: Lam Tung

Ms. Nguyen Thi An from Cua Nam ward, Vinh city, said: "The practice of people catching carp with nets after releasing them into the water occurs almost every year."

Many people are frustrated and upset because, according to tradition, the Kitchen God rides a carp to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor about what has been accomplished and what has not been accomplished in the past year, but now the carp that was just released has been caught and stolen.

Not only did these people use electric shock devices at the fish release points, but they also walked along the riverbanks using electric shock devices and nets to catch carp. Photo: Lam Tung

Many locals say that these individuals catch carp and then resell them to fish vendors at Vinh Market and nearby markets.