Thap Ba Ponagar Festival opens in Khanh Hoa

The 2011 Thap Ba Ponagar Festival officially opened in Nha Trang City in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa on April 23rd, with the participation of more than 40,000 pilgrims of over 100 delegations from surrounding provinces.
This is the biggest annual religious festival of the Cham people in the Central provinces and Highlands region. It lasts from the 21st to 25th day of every third lunar month to commemorate the Goddess Thien Y Ana or Po Inu Nagar in the Cham people’s language.
According to Cham legend, the Goddess taught Cham people to cultivate and weave fabric.
At the festival, visitors will enjoy the Cham people’s traditional art performances including dances with fans, ceramics and the Apsara dances.
Besides, some Cham’s cultural activities such as the brocading, making ceramic products will be also introduced.
The organising board also prepared a 2,000 sqm camp for the visitors to sleep and rest.