On the afternoon of October 20, the 2025 Kate Festival, celebrated by Cham followers of the Balamon religion in Khanh Hoa, officially opened at Huu Duc Stadium in Phuoc Huu commune.

Thousands of Cham people, local residents, and visitors joined the festivities, creating a joyful scene deeply rooted in ethnic identity and tradition.

The festival began with the sacred ritual of carrying the ceremonial attire of the goddess Po Inu Nagar – the deity believed to have taught the Cham people how to grow rice, weave fabric, and raise livestock.

The solemn procession included Cham delegates from Huu Duc, Tan Duc, and Thanh Duc villages, along with Raglai people from Phuoc Ha commune.

Accompanied by the sounds of gongs and drums, the procession was led by Balamon priests, followed by the ceremonial team and hundreds of locals and tourists.

At specific stops throughout the village, Raglai representatives presented ceremonial attire to the Cham people in a dignified handover. The procession then continued toward Huu Duc Stadium, where the opening ceremony took place.

At the ceremony, a representative of the organizing committee read congratulatory messages from local authorities and officially announced the opening of the Kate Festival 2025.

Cham religious leaders received congratulatory flowers before the ceremonial attire was escorted to the temple in Huu Duc village.

Following the formal proceedings, a vibrant cultural performance unfolded, featuring numerous Cham artists and youth.

Dressed in traditional attire, Cham men and women sang and performed fan dances and the graceful “water-carrying” dance. The rhythms of the Paranung drum and Saranai flute blended harmoniously, energizing the atmosphere with ethnic pride.

As a local resident of Huu Duc, Ms. Bao Thi Phai shared that the Kate Festival holds deep significance for her community. Her family made thorough preparations, from decorating their home to baking traditional cakes and weaving new garments.

“The sound of Paranung drums and Saranai flutes makes us feel proud of our origins. This festival is vital for preserving our customs and passing on cultural heritage to younger generations,” Ms. Phai expressed.

The festival not only draws locals but also impresses many visitors.

Tran Hai Linh, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said it was his first time attending the Kate Festival and he was struck by the vibrant colors, energetic sounds, and strong sense of unity among the Cham people.

“To me, Kate is not just a religious festival. It also offers a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Cham people in Khanh Hoa,” he said.

The 2025 Kate Festival runs from October 20 to 22, with the main celebration on the morning of October 21 at three significant Cham sites: Po Klong Garai Tower, Po Rome Tower, and the Temple of Po Inu Nagar.

On the main day, the Cham people perform traditional rituals such as the ceremonial procession, tower opening, statue bathing, dressing the deity, and peace-praying ceremonies.

During the festival, Cham villages also host a variety of cultural, sports, culinary, and folk game activities, creating a lively, communal atmosphere.

Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, the Kate Festival not only fulfills the spiritual needs of the Cham people but also promotes the culture and image of Khanh Hoa to both domestic and international visitors.

Xuan Ngoc