In celebration of the Kate Festival 2025, Khanh Hoa Province is organizing a range of special activities to honor the traditional cultural identity of the Cham people.

Held over three days, from October 20 to 22, the festival provides a spiritual occasion for the Cham Balamon community to express gratitude to deities and ancestors, pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests, and promote local tourism and culture.

According to the festival plan, this year’s Kate celebration will include several traditional rituals over three main days.

At 1:30 PM on October 20, residents of Huu Duc, Tan Duc, and Thanh Duc villages (Phuoc Huu commune) will hold a procession to carry the attire of the goddess Po Inu Nagar from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune to the temple in Huu Duc village.

Then, at 6:30 AM on October 21, the Council of Religious Dignitaries and Ritual Committees at the Po Klong Garai and Po Rome Towers, along with the Po Inu Nagar temple, will conduct the primary religious ceremonies.

On October 22, Kate-related activities will continue across villages, clans, and households of the Cham Balamon community throughout the province.

Nguyen Long Bien, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, stated that to facilitate a joyful, safe, and law-abiding celebration of Kate Festival 2025, the provincial government has instructed relevant departments and local authorities to coordinate the event in a solemn, economical manner that respects traditional customs and practices.

At the same time, the province is stepping up communication efforts to promote the cultural value of the Cham people and highlight Khanh Hoa’s tourism potential, creating opportunities for visitors to experience the region’s unique heritage.

On the occasion of the festival, Khanh Hoa authorities will organize delegations to visit and extend greetings to dignitaries, community leaders, policy beneficiary families, and exemplary Cham Balamon individuals.

Throughout the festival, numerous exhibitions and cultural showcases will be held at Cham temples and towers, featuring artifacts, photographs, traditional crafts, and customs.

Additionally, celebratory art performances, a Cham script writing contest under the theme “Beautiful script - Preserving Cham soul,” traditional folk games, as well as food, fashion, and local product booths will contribute to a lively and engaging atmosphere for local and international visitors.

The provincial government has tasked the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism with collaborating with related departments, localities, and tourism service providers to enhance environmental sanitation, ensure public security, and improve service quality, leaving a positive impression on festival attendees.

Po Klong Garai Tower, a key national heritage site and one of the central locations for Kate rituals, is currently finalizing preparations.

Dong Van Nhuong, Deputy Head of the Po Klong Garai Tower Heritage Management Board, said the site welcomes thousands of visitors annually during Kate to explore Cham culture. To ensure the event proceeds smoothly and respectfully, the management board is working closely with the Cham Balamon Council to assign responsibilities and finalize arrangements.

Efforts are underway to clean and beautify the tower grounds, including tree trimming and landscaping.

The management board is also setting up displays to present artifacts and images of Kate Festival and Cham cultural life, including the nationally treasured statue of King Po Klong Garai.

During the festival days, the management board will coordinate with art troupes and traditional craft villages - such as the Bau Truc pottery village and My Nghiep brocade weaving village - to host performances and exhibitions that showcase the richness of Cham heritage to the broader public.

Kate is one of the largest and most representative festivals of the Cham Balamon community.

It is held annually at the end of the sixth and beginning of the seventh month of the Cham calendar, which in 2025 falls on October 20 and 21.

Celebrations take place at Cham temples and towers, in Cham villages, and within households.

The festival is led by the Cham Balamon community, with the Council of Dignitaries serving as the official body responsible for religious and ceremonial activities associated with Kate.

Xuan Ngoc