Hanoi (VNA)♈ – The sixth Cham Cultural Festival is to be held in the central province of Khanh Hoa from October 17 to 19, bringing together representatives from six localities – Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, An Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Party Committee and People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa, along with relevant agencies. It aims to promote solidarity among ethnic minorities, particularly the Cham people, in southern and south-central Vietnam, following the recent merger of provincial-level administrative units, said the Vietnam Authority of Ethnic Cultures under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Themed “Preserving and promoting the Cham cultural identity in the new era”, the festival will feature a vibrant mix of cultural, sports, and tourism activities. Highlights include community cultural performances featuring folk songs, dances, and music, as well as solo and ensemble presentations of traditional Cham instruments. A fashion show of Cham costumes will also be incorporated into the cultural performances. Local artisans and practitioners will re-enact traditional festivals and rituals, and demonstrate unique Cham crafts such as brocade weaving and pottery making. Exhibition spaces will introduce Cham cultural heritage through artefacts, photographs, musical instruments, traditional attire, handicrafts, architectural models, and displays of intangible heritage. The festival will also host a workshop on promoting the Cham cultural heritage in tourism development and a competition on community-based tourism skills, including guest reception and tour guiding. Sports and folk games such as tug-of-war, pole pushing, mini football, and water-carrying competitions will add to the lively atmosphere. A photo exhibition themed “Cham people accompany the nation’s development” will present 300 images highlighting the Party and State’s support for ethnic minorities, Cham cultural achievements, and the rich heritage of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. A thematic showcase will further spotlight Cham cultural traditions, traditional crafts, costumes, farming tools, and everyday objects./.