HCM CITY - Traditional markets around HCM City were bustling with customers shopping for food items this morning for God of Wealth Day (the 10th day of the first lunar month, which falls on February 7 this year).

Shopping demand across markets is slightly higher than over the past few days, after the recent Tết holiday. Prices are stable, with many food products offered at a discount.

Traditional markets like Bà Chiểu, Tân Định and Thị Nghè had prepared an abundant supply of essential goods, and were crowded with buyers starting early Friday morning.

Products for making offerings during God of Wealth Day -- including roasted pork, duck eggs, fruit, sticky rice, flowers and incense papers -- were in high demand.

Thanh Hoa, a vendor at Bà Chiểu Market in Bình Thạnh District, said that compared to 2024, this year saw a small increase in demand for both grilled and fresh snakehead fish, a popular food item for the occasion.

Another trader at Tân Định Market in District 1 said that since this year’s God of Wealth Day is a week day, many people visited the market early in the morning, opting for pre-cooked dishes.

Modern supermarkets are also selling both cooked dishes and fresh produce, with attractive promotional deals and combos.

God of Wealth Day is an important occasion for many Vietnamese people, during which they prepare meals as an offering to the God of Wealth to pray for good luck and prosperity.

Many also traditionally buy gold to mark God of Wealth Day and to bring in luck. However, this year there are fewer buyers of gold in HCM City compared to previous years due to high gold prices. – VNS