Festivals in Nha Trang
Nha Trang’s magnificent panorama merges harmoniously with amazing culture; which is influenced by ancient Cham. Besides, the city’s culture is a combination of central and southern Vietnam. By observing fascinating events such as Cau Ngu Festival, Salanganes Nets Festival, visiting architectural wonders like Cham Po Nagar Towers, one can know more about cultural values of this country. Alternatively, they can visit fishing villages that are picturesque in order to learn about their local culture.
Thap Ba Festival
The Thap Ba festival is held at the Po Nagar Cham Towers between the 20th and the 23rd day of the third lunar month every year. The province’s largest celebration is dedicated to Po InoNogar, who is believed to be looking after the welfare of region. This Goddness has made this land and preserved it for posterity and taught people how to grow crops.
Usually resulting in several days’ duration process. There are two parts that differentiate it from others starting on 20th when old clothes and hat of Goddess statue are taken down. They bathe her very carefully with special lotion made from sweet smelling plants before putting on new clothes and hats. Next event takes place during 23rd day of the festival . People pay homage to her virtues as they request for peace, affluence and happiness for all residents within this area.
Afterward, some performance occur publicly during ceremony. The Ball Dance was performed at Po Nagar Towers by Cham traditional dance along their walls being most breathtaking According to tradition there should be also boat racing competition in course of this festival which will make atmosphere even brighter.
Today, many different tourists come from other regions of Vietnam attracted by not only Kinh or Cham inhabitants but people who want to explore specific Champa culture at present time have an opportunity to do so through participating in Thap Ba festival.
Thien Y A Na Festival
The locals say that Thien Y A Na Festival is a combination of Cham and Vietnamese cultures. It shows how important Mother Goddess is in creation of all life on earth as well as practice of mother worship in Asia. Thien Y A Na Festival is held in Am Chua, Dien Khanh on the fourth day of June (approximately Lunar New Year) to remember forefathers who discovered, built and united the country.
A stone monument erected in 1856 tells a legend that says the Mother Goddess was born and grew up at Am Chua.
As she grew up she helped other people in their agricultural work, weaving jobs, everyday lives and self-protection against rascals.
People appreciated her generosity ,therefore decided to construct a shrine where annual festivity would be held so there named it Thien Y A Na Festival.
During these festival days, thousands of individuals from all corners of this globe gather at Am Chua. They involve themselves into various activities right from morning till evening including contests and public veneration.
