Cambur, unique festival at Po Klong Garai Temple

According to Cham people’ folk belief, Kate Festival is held during the waxing moon; Cambur Festival takes place during the waning moon. Therefore, Cham people organize Kate Festival on July 1 of Cham calendar and Cambur Festival on September 16 of Cham calendar at their sacred temples and towers.

This year, Cambur Festival was held on January 3 morning, coinciding with the 2026 New Year holiday, at 3 major religious sites of Cham Balamon community: Po Klong Garai Temple (Do Vinh Ward), Po Rome Temple and Po Inu Nugar Temple (Phuoc Huu Commune). Notably, the festival at Po Klong Garai Temple attracted a large number of religious dignitaries, local people and tourists.

Religious dignitaries performing rituals to honor deities

Following tradition, Cambur Festival is attended by key religious dignitaries, including Po Adhia, Kadhar (Kanhi (musical instrument) player), Basaih dignitaries and Camunei (the temple guardian). The ritual offerings consist of a goat, the primary offering, chicken, cakes, fruits, wine, eggs, and betel nut, etc. These offerings symbolize deep respect for the deities and ancestors.

The festival begins with a ritual prayer and the procession of the deities' attire from Po Klong Garai Temple in Phuoc Dong Hamleeet (Phuoc Hau Commune) to the temple. After that, the dignitaries perform the rituals of opening the temple doors, bathing the statues, and dressing the deities. The main part of the festival is the grand ceremony, where dignitaries pray and invite the deities to attend and accept the offerings. During the ceremony, Kadhar plays kanhi and sings hymns about the life and achievements of the deities.

People praying and presenting offerings to the deities

While the main rituals are conducted inside, locals and devotees gather outside the tower to present their own offerings and pray for peace and prosperity for their families. Some people perform traditional dances to the rhythm of the hymns. 

Since the festival coincided with New Year holiday, this year's Cambur Festival attracted many visitors in and outside Khanh Hoa. Tourists were interested in the sacred rituals, traditional music, and unique ceremonial costumes as well as cultural characteristics and unity of Cham community.

With this value, Cambur Festival is more than just a time for Cham people to honor their deities and ancestors. It serves as a gathering point to show unique cultural features, from folk beliefs and performing arts to traditional cuisine and costumes. This helps preserve and promote Cham cultural characteristics in modern life and boost the appeal of local cultural tourism.

SON CA - THANH DANH
Translated by H.N