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The Ponagar Tower Festival stands out as one of the most extraordinary festivals in Nha Trang, officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. If you find yourself in Nha Trang at the end of the lunar March, don't miss out on this vibrant festival.
The profound significance of the Ponagar Tower Festival in the consciousness of the Champa people
The Ponagar Tower Festival, also known as the Thiên Yana Holy Mother Festival or Vía Bà, is held annually from the 21st to the 13th of the lunar March.
The festival honors the merits of Thiên Yana Holy Mother, known as Po Inư Nagar to the Cham people – the Mother of the land. According to legend, she taught local residents the art of rice cultivation, weaving, animal husbandry, and sustainable living.
The Ponagar Tower Festival is well-known among tourists and is included in the itinerary of
This festival is often organized at the archaeological site of Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang, representing the Cham architectural ensemble and the imprint of the ancient Champa kingdom on the culture of the Vietnamese people.
The statues of the deity Shiva riding the divine bull Nandin, mythical creature statues, intricate carvings, built since the 13th century, are still preserved in their original state, showcasing the unique architecture of Cham culture.
In the collective consciousness, as well as the life and enduring culture of the Cham people, the Mother of the Land – the goddess Po Inư Nagar plays an immensely significant role, embodying power and creativity. She is the only woman worshipped independently. The Mother of the Land consistently guides the Cham people towards a prosperous and joyful life.
Therefore, the Cham people venerate the goddess Po Inư Nagar through the most sacred rituals. Every family and village pays homage to this deity. Ponagar Tower is the largest architectural structure built exclusively for honoring the Mother of the Land.
The sacred and unique rituals of the Ponagar Festival
What makes the Nha Trang Ponagar Tower Festival distinctive is not only its profound and noble significance but also the elaborate and solemn ceremonies. The main rituals of the festival include the Costume Ritual (statue bathing), the Home Worship Ritual (also known as the garment-changing ritual), taking place precisely at noon on the 20th of the lunar March.
The sacred ceremony begins with the opening ritual, praying for national prosperity. Following that, the birth worship ceremony unfolds in the midnight (Rat hour) of the 22nd lunar day of March. The formal worship ceremony takes place early the next morning.
The act of offering and sacrifices is carried out with utmost solemnity and reverence. Each group, in turn, dons ceremonial attire, offering wine, tea, fruits to express gratitude to the Mother of the Land.
The lantern-floating ceremony is conducted on the evening of the 20th lunar day of March. Sparkling lanterns are released into the river with wishes and prayers for them to materialize. The memorial ceremony and the national prosperity prayer ceremony are also solemnly organized, focusing on humanitarian and noble ideals.
Besides the sacred rituals, cultural activities contribute to the allure of this unique Nha Trang festival. Visitors can enjoy traditional dance and music performances throughout the festival days on the main stage in the Ponagar Tower complex.
The procession and presentation of fruit trays to honor the Mother are organized in the afternoon of the 23rd of March, exclusively for delegations attending the Ponagar Tower Festival. Each delegation will appoint representatives to join the procession from Mandapa to the tower for the Mother's offerings.
Artfully arranged fruit trays are displayed for the Mother, and the team with the most exquisite display will have the honor of presenting it at the main tower, while others will be displayed at various towers within the Ponagar Tower complex.
Traveling to Nha Trang in the lunar March, don't miss out on this incredibly unique and fascinating Nha Trang festival. Explore the beauty of the tourist destination - the vast Cham architectural complex and the cultural splendor of the Cham people at the Ponagar Tower Festival.
