Cham dance by the ancient tower during the Ka-te festivalKa-te is primarily a ceremony to commemorate the divine kings and ancestors who contributed to the nation. In the sacred space of the Cham tower, the rituals of carrying the deity's robes, opening the tower doors, bathing the statues and offering sacrifices are performed solemnly. The resounding sounds of the ginang drums and saranai horns, combined with the graceful dance of the Cham girls, creating a rhythm that is both sacred and vibrant. There, the past and present meet, tradition and aspirations for the future intertwine.
According to Dr. Dang Nang Hoa (Lecturer and researcher of Cham culture) at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ka-te is not just a simple religious festival. “It is the connecting axis of the entire spiritual life of the community. Ka-te affirms the identity, strengthens beliefs, and maintains the unique cultural values of the Cham people in the context of rapid modernization”. Dr. Dang Nang Hoa also stated that preserving Ka-te means preserving a cultural ecosystem where rituals, music, costumes, cuisine and folk knowledge coexist and develop.
The profound value of Ka-te lies first and foremost in the spirit of community cohesion. Whether working far away or living in different locations, when the Ka-tê festival arrives, the Cham people return to their villages, to their ancient towers. Families gather to prepare offerings. Artisans adjust the folds of dresses and headscarves. Young people practice dance moves and drumming. That atmosphere was like an invisible thread, drawing people closer together.
In recent years, the festival has become a unique cultural tourism highlight, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. Traditional craft villages, such as those specializing in brocade weaving, pottery making and musical instrument crafting, having the opportunity to be widely promoted. Exquisite handcrafted products are in higher demand during the festival season, contributing to improved incomes for local people. Ms. Dong Thi Thanh Tuyet (Khanh Hoa province) shared: “Every Ka-te season, my family participates in the rituals and also welcomes visitors who come to see and buy brocade. Thanks to this, our economic situation has improved. But the most important thing is that our children understand our national traditions and do not forget their roots”. These heartfelt words reveal that Katê is not only a joyful festival, but also a space for cultural education for the younger generation.
In the context of integration, as modern life permeates every Cham village, Ka-te becomes an even more significant cultural “landmark” for the community to define itself. The festival reminds the Cham people of their connection to the land, to the gods and to each other. The prayers offered during the Ka-te festival not only pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests, but also express aspirations for a prosperous life, successful children and grandchildren in their research and a united and thriving community.
Between the moss-covered ancient towers, as the resounding drums of the festival echo, one can clearly feel the pulse of an ancient culture that continues to be strongly revived. Ka-te not only preserves historical memory but also opens up opportunities for economic development based on cultural values. When festivals are organized properly and linked to sustainable tourism, people gain additional livelihoods; when cultural identity is respected, national pride is strengthened.
Ka-te - the festival season of the Cham towers is therefore a season of faith and aspirations for prosperity. There, the Cham people both bowed their heads in gratitude to their ancestors and held their heads high, looking towards the future. The wellspring of culture flows through every dance, every drumbeat, every vibrant dress, nurturing a rich spiritual life and providing impetus for lasting prosperity. The cultural current flows through each dance, each drumbeat, each vibrant Ka-te dress, shining brightly as a symbol of a community preserving tradition to strive for a more prosperous future.
