Kitchen Deity Day 2026: Standard Offering Prayer & Tips to Keep Your Kitchen "Clean - Fresh - Dry" for Tet

Tet Binh Ngo 2026: Preparing for the Kitchen Deity’s Departure

According to Vietnamese tradition, the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month is when the Kitchen Deities (Ông Công Ông Táo) ride carp to Heaven to report the family's affairs to the Jade Emperor. A solemn ceremony and a clean, warm kitchen are the best ways to pray for a peaceful and prosperous New Year 2026.

However, this year's 12th lunar month (February 2026) is forecasted to coincide with the first "Nom" (high humidity) spell in Northern Vietnam. How can you keep your altar and home dry during this important festival? DeAir has the solution.

1. 2026 Kitchen Deity Day Schedule

This year, the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month falls on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (Solar Calendar).

• Best time: The ceremony should ideally be performed before 12:00 PM (Noon) so the Deities can depart on time.
• Auspicious Hours:
  • Thìn Hour (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM).
  • Tỵ Hour (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM).

2. Standard Kitchen Deity Offering Prayer 2026

Below is the traditional prayer (Văn khấn) translated for reference:

3. High Humidity: The Altar's "Hidden Enemy"

The 2026 Lunar New Year (mid-February) coincides with the peak of the humid season in Northern Vietnam. Humidity often exceeds 90%, causing several issues for traditional rituals:

• Damp Altars: Incense sticks absorb moisture and may not burn or go out halfway (considered bad luck).
• Soggy Paper Offerings: Ceremonial paper robes and money become damp and difficult to burn completely during the "burning of offerings" ritual.
• Unhygienic Kitchen: The kitchen is where the Deity resides. Humidity makes floors slippery and walls moldy, making food preparation for the Tet feast less solemn.

4. Tips for a "Clean - Fresh - Dry" Kitchen with Dehumidifiers

Keeping your home dry and clean is the best way to show sincerity to the Deities. An Olmas/DeAir home dehumidifier is an indispensable assistant during Tet.

Benefits of Having a Dehumidifier During Tet:

• Protect the Sacred Space: Maintain room humidity at 50-60%. Incense burns well, and the space remains warm and solemn.
• Dry Clothes: Tet often brings drizzling rain. The "Laundry" mode on the dehumidifier ensures your family has fresh clothes for New Year visits.
• Health Protection: Prevent mold and bacteria, protecting the respiratory health of the elderly and children during family gatherings.

Conclusion: Preparing thoughtful offerings and keeping your house dry and pure is the best way to send off the Kitchen Deity and welcome a peaceful 2026. Don't let humidity affect your family's spring atmosphere.