The Cham people joyfully carry their traditional costumes in procession, celebrating the Katê Festival 2025.

On the afternoon of October 20th, the Cham people of Phuoc Huu commune, Khanh Hoa province, held a ceremony to welcome and escort the ceremonial attire of Po Inu Nugar - also known as the Mother Goddess of the Land - from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune.

The welcoming and procession of traditional costumes of the Cham and Raglai people. Filmed by: HIEU GIANG

The Cham people of Huu Duc, Tan Duc, and Thanh Duc villages (Phuoc Huu commune) organized a ceremony to welcome and escort the ceremonial attire of Po Inu Nugar from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune to the temple in Huu Duc village. The procession attracted thousands of locals and tourists, marking the beginning of the 2025 Katê Festival.

According to legend, the Cham and Raglai people are sisters, with the Cham being the elder sister and the Raglai the younger. In a matriarchal society, the youngest daughter lives with her parents, responsible for ancestor worship and care. Therefore, the Raglai are responsible for preserving the robes of the Cham kings, only bringing them down for the Katê Festival or the New Year's ceremony.

Currently, the Po Inu Nugar temple in Huu Duc still maintains the ceremony of receiving the royal robes kept by the Chamalea clan of the Raglai people (Phuoc Ha commune). Meanwhile, the royal robes of King Po Klong Garai and King Po Rome have been completely handed over by the Raglai people to the Cham people for safekeeping.

At exactly 1 PM, after the sound of gongs and drums signaling the start, the procession officially began. Leading the way were the Cham religious dignitaries of the Brahman religion. Following them were the palanquin bearers with banners and parasols.

Adults and children walked in a long line behind. They all moved to the location where the ceremonial procession would take place.

To perform the ceremonial robe presentation, the village elders prepare by burning betel nuts and other offerings, then set everything up to await the arrival of village officials to perform the ceremonial robe presentation. Photo: HIEU GIANG

The Cham people receive traditional clothing from the Raglai people – a sacred ritual symbolizing the bond between the two brotherly ethnic communities. Photo: Hieu Giang

The palanquin carrying the ceremonial costumes was carefully prepared. Photo: HIEU GIANG

The Cham people, who follow Brahmanism, believe that the Katê festival commemorates the Father God, while the Cambun festival commemorates the Mother God. The Father God belongs to the "yang" element, and the Mother God belongs to the "yin" element. Therefore, Katê is held on the first half of the lunar month (July 1st according to the Cham calendar), and Cambun is held on the last half of the lunar month (September 15th according to the Cham calendar). All rituals are performed at temples and towers.

Under the blazing sun, the procession carrying the attire of the goddess Po Inu Nugar passed through the Cham villages of Huu Duc, heading towards the Huu Duc village stadium. Photo: HIEU GIANG

The procession arrived at the central stadium and a Cham art performance took place, attracting thousands of spectators. Photo: HIEU GIANG

A dance performance to welcome the Katê Festival 2025 in Phuoc Huu commune. Photo: Hieu Giang

Many tourists enjoy experiencing the vibrant Cham culture, witnessing religious ceremonies and traditional dances. Photo: Hieu Giang

The Katê Festival is one of the major and most representative festivals of the Cham people, expressing reverence and gratitude to the deities; praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a peaceful, prosperous, and happy life. This year, the festival will be held over three days (from October 20th to 22nd). October 21st will feature many main rituals and activities at Cham temples, towers, and villages.

HIEU GIANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dong-bao-cham-ron-rang-ruoc-y-trang-mung-don-le-hoi-kate-2025-post819043.html