Phuc (front, C), his wife Tran Thi Nguyet Thu and about 120 overseas Vietnamese attend the ceremony at Sen Lake in Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
This is part of the Homeland Spring program organized by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A red carp is released into the 6,720-square-meter lake, which was excavated during the Le Dynasty (1428 to 1433).
Vietnamese perform the red carp release ritual every 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, or one week before the Lunar New Year, to send off Kitchen Gods to heaven to report on their families' affairs of the year.
President Phuc (R) shake hands and greet overseas Vietnamese at Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Homeland Spring is the largest political, foreign and cultural event at the beginning of 2023, aiming to connect millions of Vietnamese living, studying and working abroad with their homeland.
Phuc talks with the overseas Vietnamese.
Homeland Spring is designed as an event for overseas Vietnamese to share their thoughts and hopes with Vietnamese leaders, and for Vietnam to honor groups and individuals who have done great things for the country.
Ngo Duy, who has spent many years living in the U.S., said: "I always looked forward to coming back someday to the place I call home. Many thanks to the organizers for meaningful programs like."
The Overseas Vietnamese will also attend the Vietnamese cuisine festival and art exchange program at the National Convention Center on Saturday night as part of the Homeland Spring program.
Thich Duc Tri, 31, abbot of Hoa Lac Pagoda in Japan's Osaka, represents the overseas Vietnamese delegation from Japan at the Homeland Spring event.
"Vietnamese living overseas like myself feel emotional when attending this event. Many members of the overseas Vietnamese delegation were overjoyed to be able to return to Vietnam after many years of not having the chance to do so," he said.
