Buzz
The Katê Festival in Ninh Thuận often attracts considerable attention from tourists. During this time, the area is bustling with visitors, adding to the festival's vibrancy. Witness unique traditional rituals and immerse yourself in the rich Chăm cultural performances. It's an experience not to be missed when visiting Ninh Thuận.
The Origins of the Katê Festival
Have you ever wondered what the Katê Festival is or where it originated from? The word Katê is derived from Kattika in Pali, India. In a narrow sense, it means worship in the Chăm calendar's seventh month. In a broader sense, it commemorates ancestors, deities, and those who contributed to the community. That's the significance of the Katê Festival.
The Katê Festival takes place in a lively and vibrant atmosphere (Image Source: Collected)
The Katê Festival of the Chăm people embodies the rich cultural heritage of ancient Champa. However, due to the influence of Islamic and Indian cultures, there have been some changes over time. This is evident in the three religious groups of the Chăm: Chăm Awal, Chăm Ahier, and Chăm Islam. Initially, these three groups had similar customs and rituals. But gradually, differences in rituals emerged.
The History of the Katê Festival
There are hardly any records about the Katê Festival, nor specific information about its origins. Hence, we can briefly explore the history from the 2nd to the 12th century, the peak period of the Champa kingdom. This will somewhat help us understand the context of the emergence of this remarkable festival.
During that time, the influence of Indian religion on Champa had some impacts. Most notably, it affected the religious rituals of the Chăm people during significant occasions such as victories in battles, abundant harvests, and the enthronement ceremonies of kings and lords. Around the 15th century (around 1471), the capital Vijaya (in present-day Binh Dinh province) began to decline. This marked the gradual collapse of Champa civilization.
This festival has been long-awaited and highly anticipated by the Chăm people (Image Source: Collected)
As a result, the influence of Indian religion gradually faded, making way for the rise of Islam. Despite the flourishing of Islam during this period, traces of Indian religion still remained in Champa. This is why the Chăm community remains divided into different religious beliefs.
Among them, the most populous group is the Chăm Ahier following the Bà La Môn faith. Whereas the Chăm Awal adhere to the Bà Ni religion. The Katê festival we are exploring is the festival of the Chăm Bà La Môn community.
Timing of the Katê Festival
If you're an explorer at heart, you'll surely want to know when the Katê Festival takes place. Typically, the Katê festival schedule spans over 3 days. It starts from the 1st day of the 7th month in the Chăm calendar (approximately from September 25th to October 5th in the Gregorian calendar).
This festival is often held at temple towers such as the Po Nagar tower, Po Rome tower, and Po Rome tower. Subsequently, the Katê festival extends to villages and households. This cultural beauty is likened to a continuous flow from the community to each individual. This traditional custom has been preserved by the Chăm people for thousands of years.
If you're interested in learning about Chăm festivals and culture, this is an event you can't afford to miss (Image Source: Collected)
If you wish to participate in the Katê Festival, you can book a festival tour package around October in the Gregorian calendar. During this time, you'll immerse yourself in the joy with the locals here. However, when attending this festival, prioritize comfortable attire. If you plan to observe the rituals and ceremonies, opt for modest clothing.
Rituals in the Katê Festival
As mentioned earlier, the Katê Festival will commence from the temple towers, then extend to villages and households. These rituals will simultaneously take place at three major temple tower areas in Ninh Thuận.
1. At the temple towers
Let's delve into how the rituals at the temple towers will unfold!
Insights into the Rituals
The Katê Festival will commence with the ritual ceremonies. These ceremonies are directed by the officiating priest, also known as the master of ceremonies. During this time, the officiating priest will lead the Kanhi ensemble and sing the Sacred Song. Simultaneously, offerings will be made to the deities. Following this, the officiating priest will preside over the statue bathing ritual, conducted by the Bà La Môn monks.
It can be said, this is an incredibly grand festival (Image Source: Collected)
The ceremonial items used in this festival are truly magnificent. They include 1 large goat, 5 trays of rice, soup and goat meat, 3 chickens for ritual cleansing in the tower, 3 cakes of rice, 1 tray of rice with sesame salt, fruits. Additionally, there are betel leaves, wine, sweet rice... That's just the offerings for the tower. At the base of the tower, there are hundreds of other trays prepared by the attendees.
Procedure of the Katê Festival at the temple tower
At 7 a.m., the ceremony to receive the attire from the youngest Raglai sibling, brought down from the mountain, will take place. All rituals are conducted with utmost reverence and solemnity. Next, the officiating priest opens the tower's door for the deities to attend the ceremony and partake in the offerings. Then, the bathing ritual of the deity statues begins.
Next comes the dressing ceremony for the deity statue of Anguei Khan Aw Kapo. The Adaoh Tâm grand ceremony is considered the most important part of the event. This ceremony takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and concludes. After completing all procedures, the people return to the village and continue with other rituals.
2. At the village and within households
The ceremonial rituals of the Katê Festival in the village will take place concurrently with the festival. Prior to that, villagers will collectively clean the temples, decorate the Village Square, and organize food, drinks, and activities. Additionally, they prepare unique cultural performances to celebrate this day. The rituals organized in the village are just as dignified as those at the temple towers.
Depending on their beliefs, each village worships different deities. However, the common practice is to offer prayers to the village gods. The village priest is not necessarily a religious figure but rather the most respected and trusted individual in the community. They will offer sacrifices to the gods on behalf of the villagers, wishing for blessings upon all members of the community.
Image of people preparing offerings for the deities (Image Source: Collected)
After the Katê Festival in the village, the Chăm people return home to perform rituals. The officiating priest is the eldest member of the family lineage. This individual represents the family in offering prayers to the ancestors. Every member of the family must be present on that day, dressed neatly. Each person sincerely prays for the best.
The Katê Festival will surely leave you with unforgettable impressions. It would be wonderful if you could experience this joyful and solemn atmosphere at least once. Through this, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the customs and culture of the Chăm people. If you're interested in booking a tour to Ninh Thuận, please contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
