Cham people in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan celebrate Kate Festival

Thousands of Cham people in the south central provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan gathered at temples and towers on October 9, to celebrate the traditional festival of Kate, which is already included in the national intangible heritage list.

A dance performance by Cham people in Binh Thuan province.
A dance performance by Cham people in Binh Thuan province.

The festival is an occasion for the Cham people to commemorate their ancestors and pray to the gods for favourable weather, abundant harvests and the growth of humans, plants and animals.

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A performance in honour of the Po Inu Nugar Goddess in Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan province.

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Religious dignitaries perform rituals to pray for favourable weather at Po Klong Garai Tower.

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Cham people in Ninh Thuan province prepare offerings to the gods at the Kate Festival.

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Foreign tourists learn about the traditions of the Cham people at Po Klong Garai Tower.

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The attire and belongings of the Po Inu Nugar Goddess are carried to Po Klong Garai Tower for a traditional ritual.

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Cham people bring their offerings to the Po Klong Garai Tower.

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The Ninh Thuan leaders present gifts to religious leaders and local residents to celebrate Kate Festival.

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Cham women performance a fan dance to celebrate the festival.

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The sounds of Ghinang drums and Cham dances are an indispensable part of the Kate Festival.

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Brahman religious leaders in Binh Thuan province carry the clothes and belongings of the Po Sah Inu Goddess to the main tower.

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Cham women in Binh Thuan province perform traditional dances at the foot of Po Sah Inu Tower.

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Po Sah Inu Tower is the main venue where Cham people in Binh Thuan province performance their Kate Festival rituals.