Cham people are bustling with costumes, welcoming the Kate Festival 2025

On the afternoon of October 20, the Cham people in Phuoc Huu commune, Khanh Hoa province held a ceremony to welcome and receive the Po Inư Nưgar costume - also known as the Mother Goddess of the land - from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune.

Welcoming ceremony and procession of Cham and Raglai people in costumes. Performed by: HIEU GIANG

Cham people in Huu Duc, Tan Duc and Thanh Duc villages (Phuoc Huu commune) held a ceremony to welcome and carry Po Inư Nugar costumes from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune to the temple in Huu Duc village. The procession attracted thousands of people and tourists to watch, opening the Kate Festival season in 2025.

According to legend, the Cham and Raglai are sisters, with the Cham being the eldest and the Raglai the youngest. According to the matriarchal system, the youngest daughter stays with her parents and is responsible for taking care of and worshipping their ancestors. Therefore, the Raglai are responsible for keeping the costumes of the Cham kings, only taking them down on the occasion of the Kate Festival or the New Year's Eve ceremony.

Presently, the Po Inư Nưgar temple in Huu Duc still maintains the ceremony of welcoming the costumes kept by the Chamalea family of the Raglai people (Phuoc Ha commune). Meanwhile, the costumes of King Po Klong Garai and King Po Rome have been completely transferred by the Raglai people to the Cham people for preservation.

At exactly 13 o'clock, after the gong and drum signal, the procession officially set off. Leading the way were Cham dignitaries following Brahmanism. Next came the palanquin bearers with flags and umbrellas.

The group of adults and children walked in a long line behind. All moved to the location of the ceremony to welcome the costumes.

To perform the ceremony to receive the costumes, the village elders prepare to burn wax, incense, prepare offerings of betel and areca nuts... and then set up the table to wait for the village dignitaries to come to perform the ceremony to hand over the costumes. Photo: HIEU GIANG

Cham people receive costumes given by Raglai people - a sacred ritual showing the connection between the two ethnic communities. Photo: HIEU GIANG

The palanquin carrying the funeral procession is carefully prepared. Photo: HIEU GIANG

According to the Cham people's belief in Brahmanism, the Kate ceremony is to commemorate the Father God, and the Cambun ceremony is to commemorate the Mother God. The Father God is "yang" and the Mother God is "yin", so the Kate ceremony is held on the first moon (July 1st according to the Cham calendar), and the Cambun ceremony is held on the last moon (September 15th according to the Cham calendar). All ceremonies are held in temples and towers.

Under the bright sunlight, the procession of the Goddess of Po Inư Nưgar passed through the alleys of Cham Huu Duc village, heading to the stadium of Huu Duc village. Photo: HIỆU GIANG

The procession entered the central stadium and performed Cham art, attracting thousands of people to watch. Photo: HIEU GIANG

Dance performance to celebrate the Kate Festival 2025 in Phuoc Huu commune. Photo: HIEU GIANG

Many tourists enjoy experiencing the vibrant Cham cultural atmosphere, admiring religious rituals and traditional dances. Photo: HIEU GIANG

Kate Festival is one of the major and typical festivals of the Cham people, expressing respect and gratitude to the gods; praying for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, a peaceful, prosperous and happy life. This year, the festival is held for 3 days (from October 20 to 22). On October 21, many main rituals and activities will take place at Cham temples, towers and Cham villages.

HIEU JIANG

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