Showcasing the Cultural Heritage of Lam Dong’s Cham Community in Khanh Hoa

Ready for the Festival

For over a month, members of the Cham community art group have been rehearsing daily at the Ham Thuan General Services Center. With the guidance of skilled choreographers, the performers have been meticulously refining every element of their program titled “Soul of the Tower Land.” Each dance movement, stage arrangement, and facial expression has been thoughtfully perfected.

Through music and traditional folk dance, the performances immerse audiences in the unique cultural atmosphere of the Cham people, where ancient towers stand as lasting symbols of history and ethnic identity. Interwoven within each melody are tales of labor, communal unity, and customs and beliefs that have long been essential to Cham spiritual life.

Thong Thi Kim Tram, a participant in the community art group, expressed:“We take great pride in representing the Cham community from our province at the festival. Each performance has been meticulously practiced to highlight our traditional cultural values while leaving a distinct impression.”

One of the key highlights is the demonstration of the Kadhar High Priest Ordination Ritual, a traditional ceremony observed by the Cham community in Lam Dong. This ritual embodies the profound spiritual values of the Cham Brahman community and will be conducted by religious leaders and artisans who possess an in-depth understanding of Cham culture from Bac Binh Commune.

While the artists and performers dedicate themselves to their rehearsals, members of the seven-a-side football team and the stick-pushing team continue to train every weekend at a sports field in Ham Thuan Bac Commune. Sweat drips from their sun-tanned faces, yet their resolve remains steadfast as they get ready for the upcoming festival.

Alongside sporting activities, traditional handicraft demonstrations will also be featured. Skilled artisans specializing in pottery and weaving will showcase the processes used to create their signature products. These activities offer visitors and participants from other localities a deeper understanding of Cham livelihoods, creativity, and cultural identity.

Connecting and Promoting Cultural Heritage

Lam Dong Province has a population of over 43,000 Cham people, primarily residing in nine communes: Tuy Phong, Lien Huong, Bac Binh, Hong Thai, Ham Thuan Bac, Ham Thuan, Tan Thanh, Son My, and Tanh Linh. Throughout the years, the Cham community has developed a vibrant and unique cultural heritage.

Nguyen Tu Long, the Deputy Director of the Dak Nong Center for Culture and Global Geopark Management, announced that the Lam Dong group will take part in the 2026 Cham Ethnic Culture Festival with a total of 85 participants. This group will represent the distinct cultural heritage of the Cham people through various artistic showcases, athletic events, presentations of traditional attire, demonstrations of handicrafts, and highlighting OCOP products.

The festival serves as a platform to promote the Cham cultural heritage of the province to both local and international audiences while also offering a venue for artisans, performers, and amateur athletes to share their experiences in preserving and showcasing their ethnic cultural legacies.

According to Nguyen Tu Long, preparations are now mostly finished. Every festival activity has been thoughtfully planned and practiced to guarantee a high level of professionalism and the ability to provide remarkable performances that will enhance the event's overall success.