The Saranai horn sounds at the sun tower.

What visitors find unforgettable when visiting the Ponagar Tower complex (Nha Trang) is not only the ancient, thousand-year-old architectural structures, but also the vibrant world of Champa culture.

On the tower's platform, musicians diligently play Saranai horns, Paranung drums, Ginang drums, and other instruments, guiding dancers through captivating and mystical dances, like flames of time dancing amidst the sunshine and wind of Nha Trang.

In that harmony, the Saranai horn played by a man wearing a headscarf and a red rope hat soared, haunting and poignant, sometimes like a love confession, other times like a resounding call from the depths of history. That man was Dang Xuan Ky.

Kadhar Ky plays the Saranai horn to entertain tourists at Thap Ba Tower in Nha Trang.

Growing up in the village, studying music , learning the art of being a teacher…

Born in 1993 in Phuoc Dong village, Phuoc Hau commune (Ninh Phuoc district, formerly Ninh Thuan province, now part of Khanh Hoa province), Ky grew up amidst a rich Cham culture. After finishing high school, his love for traditional music led him to seek out local artisans, learning most of the Cham musical instruments: Saranai horn, Paranung drum, Ginang drum, Kanhi string instrument… The young man quickly became a performing artist in major festivals such as Rija Nagar, Katê, Kak Ghak Kak Limah…

Belonging to the Kadhar sect, and with his grandfather having presided over ceremonies at the Po Klong Garai tower, Ky Hoi was qualified to be trained as a Kadhar priest – a revered position in the community. Becoming a priest required not only a suitable lineage but also the approval of the village elders and dignitaries. When he was officially conferred the title of "Venerable Priest," the village held a celebratory ceremony lasting three days and three nights.

Teacher Kadahr Ky and the elders are examining preparations for the procession of Y Trang from Phuoc Dong village to Po Kllong Grai tower during the Katê festival.

Closely associated with Ponagar Tower

The opportunity that led Ky to perform for tourists at the Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang was a major turning point. Among the generations of musicians and dancers there, he was the only one to hold the title of Kadhar master. This job meant leaving his village, family, wife, and children behind to work year-round, only getting about a week off during the Katê festival, or a few days to visit home every two months.

From 2017 to the present, regardless of sun, rain, or sea breezes throughout the four seasons, Ky has diligently played the Saranai horn and the Paranung and Ginang drums, bringing Cham music to tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists along with his colleagues.

Kadahar Ky plays the Ginang drum with his fellow performers at Thap Ba - Nha Trang.

Many visitors fondly remember his gentle, kind smile; some, even after many years, still seek out the trumpet player. There have even been instances of violinists, guitarists, flutists, and other musicians spontaneously performing with Ky, creating emotionally charged moments of cultural exchange.

Master Kadahar Ky performs rituals to help people participate in the Thap Ba Festival in Nha Trang.

According to him, Cham music is rich and constantly evolving: sometimes gentle and poignant, sometimes lively and vibrant, and sometimes mysterious and enchanting. To meet the diverse tastes of tourists, he constantly studies and researches to improve his technique. For Ky, each performance is an opportunity to bring the beauty of Cham culture closer to the community.

Few know that behind the radiant smile on the tower stage lie silent worries: being a father but constantly away from his wife, children, and parents; unable to be there to help when family members are ill; and burdened by the hardships of making a living. But above all, Ky still keeps the sound of the Saranai horn bright and fresh, just like his own soul.

When asked about his biggest dream, he simply hoped that the Po Klong Garai tower complex in his hometown of Phan Rang - Thap Cham would also have a performance venue similar to the one at the Ponagar Tower, so that Cham artists would have another stage to showcase their ethnic culture.

Teacher Kadhar Ky performs a dance to celebrate his veneration ceremony.

Every day, on the grounds of the Ponagar Tower, Kadhar Ky remains completely devoted to Cham music and culture, without a single distraction. For him, passion has become his raison d'être, perseverance his virtue, and the Saranai horn his bridge between the past and the present.

The 5th "Living Beautifully" writing contest was organized to encourage people to write about noble acts that have helped individuals or communities. This year, the contest focuses on praising individuals or groups who have performed acts of kindness, bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances.

A highlight is the new environmental award category, which honors works that inspire and encourage action for a green and clean living environment. Through this, the organizers hope to raise community awareness in protecting the planet for future generations.

The competition features diverse categories and prize structures, including:

Article categories: Essays, reports, notes, or short stories, not exceeding 1,600 words for essays and 2,500 words for short stories.

Feature articles, reports, and notes:

- 1st prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 2 second prizes: 15,000,000 VND

- 3 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 3,000,000 VND

Short story:

- 1st prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 20,000,000 VND

- 2 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 4 consolation prizes: 5,000,000 VND

Photo category: Submit a set of at least 5 photos related to volunteer work or environmental protection, along with the title of the photo set and a short description.

- 1st prize: 10,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 5,000,000 VND

- 1 third prize: 3,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 2,000,000 VND each

Prize for the Most Popular Song: 5,000,000 VND

Prize for an outstanding essay on the topic of the environment: 5,000,000 VND

Honored Person Award: 30,000,000 VND

The deadline for submitting entries is October 16, 2025. Entries will be judged in a preliminary and final round by a panel of renowned judges. The organizers will announce the winners on the "Living Beautifully" special page. See the detailed rules at thanhnien.vn .

Organizing Committee of the "Living Beautifully" Contest

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tieng-ken-saranai-noi-thap-nang-185250911112650913.htm