From October 20 to 22 in Khanh Hoa province, the 2025 Kathe Festival of the Cham people following the Balamon religion officially opened.
Thousands of people and tourists have immersed themselves in the bustling, colorful atmosphere of one of the most unique festivals of the Cham people in Khanh Hoa.
The medical examination of the po Inu Nugar god page opens the festival
This year's Kate festival opens with a traditional ceremony of welcoming the goddess Po Inu Nugar - the mother god of the land - to teach the Cham people to grow rice, weave, raise livestock and bring a prosperous life.
The ceremony was solemnly held with the participation of the Cham people of Huu Duc, Tan Duc, Thanh Duc villages (Phuoc Huu commune) and the Raglai people of Phuoc Ha commune.
During the resounding gong and drum, the medical convoy departs, led by the officials of Balamon, followed by the raincoat and the raincoat flag with hundreds of people and tourists.
At a stop in the village, Raglai people presented medicine to Cham people in a solemn welcoming ceremony, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity between the two brotherly groups.
After the ceremony, the convoy took the medicine to Huu Duc Stadium to perform the opening ceremony.
Representatives of the Organizing Committee read congratulatory letters from the Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phuoc Huu commune and announced the opening of the Cat Festival 2025.
Cham officials received congratulatory flowers, the procession continued to parade through the stage before bringing medicine to the temple in Huu Duc village.
Right after the opening ceremony, the elaborately staged art performance program took place at Huu Duc Stadium.
In a brilliant traditional costume, the boys and girls of Cham performed a soft fan dance, graceful water team dance with the sound of the phlegm drums and the Saranai harp, creating a vibrant harmony in the festival space.
Ms. Bao Thi Phai, a resident of Huu Duc village, shared: "Every year, my family prepares carefully by cleaning the house, making cakes, weaving new clothes and participating in singing and dancing to welcome the Kathe. When the phlegm and Saranai whistle sounded, the villagers felt their excitement, as if they had more pride in their roots.
The festival is an opportunity to teach traditional customs to the younger generation, helping them understand and love their ethnic culture more".
The vivid cultural heritage of the Cham people
Not only attracting local people, the Kate Festival also attracts a large number of tourists from inside and outside the province to visit and experience.
Mr. Tran Van Long, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: "This is the first time I have attended the Kathe Festival. I am really impressed by the brilliant colors, vibrant sounds and community solidarity of the Cham people.
Not only a religious festival, Kate also brings the opportunity to explore and feel more deeply about the unique and long-standing cultural heritage of the Cham people in Khanh Hoa.
The 2025 Kate Festival takes place from October 20 to 22, with the main ceremony held on the morning of October 21 at three relics of Cham Temple and Tower including Po Klong Garai Tower, Po Rome Tower and Po Inu Nugar Temple.
On the main festival, Cham people perform traditional rituals such as carrying medicine to the tower, opening the tower door, bathing in statues, wearing costumes and praying for peace.
After the ceremony, cultural and sports activities such as costume performances, Cham writing competitions, pottery making, folk games and traditional cuisine were held in Cham villages, creating a joyful atmosphere and connecting the community.
