Tourists are captivated by the vibrant colors of the Katê festival in 2025.

On the morning of October 21 (July 1 of the Cham calendar), thousands of Cham people following Brahmanism flocked to Po Klong Grai tower (in Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province) to offer offerings, officially opening the Kate festival 2025.

Cham people flock to Po Klong Grai Tower (in Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province) to offer sacrifices and celebrate the Katê festival 2025 - Photo: DUC CUONG

From early morning, groups of people in traditional costumes, carrying offerings such as betel nuts, fruits, and cakes, made their way to the sacred ancient tower of Po Klong Grai (in Do Vinh ward, Khanh Hoa province) to celebrate the Katê festival.

At exactly 7:00 AM, the Brahmin dignitaries carried the ceremonial robes from Phuoc Dong Cham village (Phuoc Hau commune) to the main tower, marking the beginning of the solemn and vibrant Katê ritual series.

Amidst the resounding sounds of the Saranai horn and Paranung drum, Cham girls gracefully perform their folk dance. At the foot of the tower, thousands of Cham people gather to pay homage to the deities who have made great contributions to the community.

This is also an occasion for the Cham people to remember their ancestors, pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and bountiful harvests.

Tourists take souvenir photos with Cham girls - Photo: DUC CUONG

Ms. Dang Hoang Phuong Nghi (a tourist from Dong Nai ) said that this was her first time attending the Katê festival, so she had very special feelings about it.

"The Cham people have a captivating way of honoring their deities through music and dance. I could feel their sacredness and pride in every smile. I feel so lucky to be immersed in this unique culture," shared Ms. Phuong Nghi.

The offerings include betel nuts, wine, meat, various traditional cakes and fruits, presented to the deities and in remembrance of loved ones - Photo: DUC CUONG

Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Minh Quan (a tourist from Da Nang) was impressed by the combination of religious beliefs and art.

"I didn't expect the Katê festival to be so grand and full of rituals. From the procession of ceremonial garments and offerings to the dancing and singing, everything exudes a spirit of unity, faith, and gratitude to our ancestors. This is truly a 'living museum' of Cham culture," he remarked.

On this occasion, Cham dignitaries wear traditional costumes and perform rituals at the Po Klong Grai temple - Photo: DUC CUONG

Mr. Quang Song (71 years old) and his wife, Mrs. Thanh Thuy Cong (60 years old), from Phuoc Hau Cham village, offer gifts during the Katê festival - Photo: DUC CUONG

Mr. Nguyen Khac Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Khanh Hoa province, said that the Katê festival is an important cultural activity of the Cham people in particular and the ethnic communities in the province in general.

The festival has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Each Katê festival is an opportunity for the Cham people to promote their ethnic traditions, contributing to introducing the beauty of Cham culture in particular and Khanh Hoa culture in general to people and tourists from near and far.

Alongside the ceremonial activities, this year's Katê festival also featured lively side events such as a Cham calligraphy competition with the theme "Bright Handwriting - Preserving the Cham Soul"; competitions in traditional folk games like carrying water jars, sack racing, tug-of-war, and cultural performances.

Panoramic view of Po Klong Grai Tower, where the Katê festival is taking place in 2025 - Photo: DUC CUONG

Khanh Hoa province has the largest Cham population in the country. Cham culture here is still preserved quite strongly, reflected in their writing system, clothing, architecture, sculpture, temple complexes, pottery, and traditional brocade weaving.

Among these, the Katê festival stands out, having been preserved, maintained, and upheld by the Cham people. This is also an intangible cultural heritage recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2017.

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DUC CUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/du-khach-say-me-voi-sac-mau-le-hoi-kate-2025-20251021124041826.htm