Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Binh Thuan (VNA) – Leaders of the south-centralprovince of Binh Thuan on September 25 visited and extended greetings to the Cham Brahman community in the province on theoccasion of their biggest yearly occasion – the Kate Festival.
Along with monks,dignitaries and prestigious people of the local Cham Brahman community,provincial leaders also visited those living in Phu Lac and PhongPhu communes ofTuyPhong district, and Phan Hiep and Phan Thanh communes of BacBinh district.
They wished the community aprosperous and fancy festival, continuing to preserve and develop thetraditional culture of the group.
Leaders also lauded thegroup’s efforts in building the national great unity bloc, expressing theirhope that the dignitaries and prestigious people will promote their influencein the community, encourage locals to follow the Party and State’s policies andlaw, support each other in poverty reduction and reinforce solidarity.
For their part, ChamBrahman monks, dignitaries and followers thanked the local leaders for creatingfavourable conditions for them to enjoy the festival. They proposed thatprovincial authorities continue supporting them in economic development.
Falling on the first day ofthe seventh month of the Cham calendar, Kate is the most popular Cham festivalin NinhThuan. It reminds the ethnic Brahman community of their ancient gods anddelivers wishes for bumper harvests and the growth of all beings.
The Cham people have several distinctivefestivals including the Ramuwan, the Rija Nugar, and the Chabun.
There are about 153,000 Cham people inVietnam, including approximately 72,500 people in Ninh Thuan. Over 43,000 ofthem, scattered across 12 communes in seven districts, follow the religion.
Over the years, thecommunity has received support in capital for production development, along withinvestment in improving infrastructure and public works, thus considerablyimprove locals’ living conditions./.
VNA
