Kate Festival Ninh Thuan: Discovering Cham cultural heritage

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Tet Kate, a national intangible cultural heritage of the Cham people. Learn about the time, location and unique rituals.

Kate Festival is one of the most important cultural and religious events of the Cham community following Brahmanism in Ninh Thuan . Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the festival is not only an occasion to commemorate gods and ancestors but also a vibrant, colorful cultural space, attracting tourists to explore.

Kate Festival is one of the biggest and most unique festivals of the Cham people.

Time and place of the event

The Kate Festival is held annually on the 1st of July according to the Cham calendar, corresponding to late September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. The main ceremonies take place at the ancient and sacred Cham tower clusters.

• Po Klong Garai Tower: Located in Do Vinh ward, Phan Rang - Thap Cham city.
• Po Rome Tower and Po Inư Nugar Temple: Located in Phuoc Huu commune, Ninh Phuoc district.

These are religious centers where the Cham community gathers to perform the most important rituals of the festival.

Kate Festival is held at ancient Cham towers in Ninh Thuan.

Cultural and religious significance

Kate Festival has a profound meaning in the spiritual life of the Cham people. This is an occasion for the community to express their respect and gratitude to the gods, kings who have contributed to the nation and to remember their deceased ancestors. At the same time, people also pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, bountiful harvests and a prosperous and happy life. With these special values, Kate Festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Special ceremonies and activities

Kate Festival consists of two main parts: the ceremony and the festival, each part has its own unique features, reflecting the Cham culture.

Solemn ceremony

The ceremony took place with solemn traditional rituals. The most important ritual was the procession of the gods' costumes to the tower, performed by the community's dignitaries. This was followed by rituals such as opening the tower door, bathing the god statue and dressing the statue in new clothes. The whole process took place in a sacred atmosphere, blending with the sounds of the Ghi-nang drum, Saranai trumpet and the melodious sounds of the Kanhi instrument.

The ritual of carrying the costumes of the gods up the tower during the Kate festival.

Exciting festival

After the solemn ceremonies, the festival brings a joyful and bustling atmosphere. This is the time when the community and visitors join in cultural and artistic activities. The traditional fan dance and jar dance of Cham girls in colorful costumes are always the focus of the festival. In addition, folk games such as water carrying and stick pushing are also organized, attracting enthusiastic participation of everyone, creating community cohesion.

Traditional dances are an indispensable part of the Kate festival.

Notes for visitors when participating in the festival

To have a complete experience and show respect for the local culture, visitors to the Kate Festival should note the following points:

• Dress: Choose polite, discreet clothing when attending ceremonies in the temple area.
• Respect the ceremony: Keep quiet, do not make noise and follow the rules at the ceremony site. Ask permission before taking photos, especially during important ceremonies.
• Keep clean: Do not litter to protect the general landscape of the relic site.
• Personal Safety: Festivals are often crowded, so care should be taken to protect personal belongings.
• Cultural exchange: Openly participate in the activities of the association but maintain a moderate and respectful attitude.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/le-hoi-kate-ninh-thuan-kham-pha-di-san-van-hoa-cham-404167.html