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 September 28 to celebrate the traditional festival of Kate.

At the event
At the event

The Cham people are marking the Kate festival with traditional rituals to remember their ancestors, while praying for good weather, abundant crops and long, healthy lives.

In Ninh Thuan province, the festival took place at the Po Klong Garai Temple in Phan Rang City and Po Rome Temple in Ninh Phuoc district. Meanwhile, in Binh Thuan province, the festival was held at the Po Sah Inu Tower in Phan Thiet City.

The festival offers visitors a chance to enjoy unique folk songs, dances and music with the Cham people, as well as the chance to participate in games and demonstrations of brocade weaving and pottery.

Various cultural activities, such as art shows, traditional costume displays, culinary exhibitions and traditional writing competitions are being organised in the province.

During this year’s Kate festival, local authorities are paying a visit to the region and giving gifts to the Cham people in the province. The purpose of the Kate festival is to thank the Gods and promote their traditional culture and arts.

The Kate Festival was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

It is one of the 15 biggest festivals in Vietnam, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors every year.