Colorful Cham people's costume procession at Kate festival 2025

The Cham community of Huu Duc village (Phuoc Huu commune, Khanh Hoa) solemnly welcomed costumes from their Raglai brothers in a traditional ceremony at the Kate festival 2025.

On the afternoon of October 20, the Cham community solemnly received the Po Inư Nưgar costume from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune to the temple in Phuoc Huu commune, Khanh Hoa (Ninh Phuoc district, old Ninh Thuan province). This is not only a ritual at the Kate festival, but also a vivid proof of the strong friendship that has been passed down through many generations between the two communities.

The Kate Festival 2025 begins with the ritual of carrying Po Inư Nưgar costumes from the Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune to the temple in Phuoc Huu commune (Ninh Phuoc district, old Ninh Thuan province).

PHOTO: BA DUY

Kate is the biggest festival of the year for the Cham people who follow Brahmanism to commemorate the gods and kings who have contributed greatly. The festival is held annually on the last day of June and the first day of July of the Cham calendar. In 2025, the Kate festival will take place on October 20 and 21.

Cham dignitaries solemnly welcome costumes from the Raglai community in a sacred atmosphere.

PHOTO: BA DUY

Kate Festival is an occasion for the Cham community following Brahmanism to express their gratitude to the gods and ancestors, praying for favorable weather and good crops.

PHOTO: BA DUY

According to legend, the Cham and Raglai are sisters, the Cham being the eldest, the Raglai being the youngest. Because of the matriarchal system, the youngest daughter inherits property and is in charge of ancestor worship. Therefore, all the costumes of kings and gods are kept by the Raglai and are only brought down on Kate festivals or New Year's Eve.

Many unique cultural and artistic activities with traditional dances and performances of national costumes at the costume procession

PHOTO: BA DUY

Grade 12 students of An Phuoc High School, Ninh Phuoc Commune in traditional costumes perform a group dance to welcome the procession.

PHOTO: BA DUY

Hundreds of young men and women in traditional costumes performed dances and songs to welcome the Raglai people.

PHOTO: BA DUY

Nowadays, only Po Inư Nưgar temple in Huu Duc village still holds the ceremony to welcome the costumes kept by the Chamalea family of Raglai people in Phuoc Ha commune. The costumes of King Po Klong Garai and King Po Rome have been handed over to the Cham people for safekeeping by the Raglai people.

The procession of costumes is a colorful opening ceremony of Cham culture, an important part of the religious life of the Raglai and Cham people. Through hundreds of years of history with many changes, this ritual has been preserved by the Cham and Raglai people as a "treasure", passed down through generations.

Many traditional dances are performed during the procession.

PHOTO: BA DUY

Charming young girl in traditional Cham costume

PHOTO: BA DUY

Musicians at the Kate festival were asked by many people to take photos with them.

PHOTO: BA DUY

Foreign tourists take photos with girls in traditional costumes at the festival.

PHOTO: BA DUY

During the festival, there are also many unique cultural and artistic activities with traditional dances, performances of traditional costumes and folk games. The event is not only an opportunity for the Cham community following Brahmanism to express their gratitude to the gods and ancestors, pray for favorable weather and good crops, but also an opportunity to promote local culture and tourism .

Visitors to the Kate festival can directly participate in traditional entertainment activities, enjoy music and typical cuisine of the Cham people, as well as learn about the unique culture of this community.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sac-mau-le-ruoc-y-trang-cua-dong-bao-cham-tai-le-hoi-kate-2025-185251020162440862.htm