Rain Festivals

The Rain Festival (Palau Sah) remains one of the most significant events in the traditional culture of the Cham people. In 2025, the festival is scheduled to be celebrated on May 16 according to the Lunar Calendar, particularly at the Champa Towers and estuaries, including My Tan, Lam Ngu, and Ca Na. This important festival is typically led by Cham shamans or community dignitaries and serves the primary purpose of honoring agricultural deities within Cham culture, while also offering prayers for rain and fruitful harvests. As a result, this festival is particularly vital during periods of drought or crop failure. The event also strengthens the sense of community among the Cham people, fostering unity between the Cham Ahier (adherents of the Brahmin faith) and the Cham Awai (followers of Islam).

Photo: thegioidisan.vn

The Palau Sah Rain Festival comprises four key rites. The first rite is known as Rija Harei, or The Day Dancing Rite. This ceremony takes place in a modest bamboo structure, where participants engage in singing to honor their gods and perform traditional dances in accompaniment. The second rite, Rija Dayuap, or The Night Worship Rite, sees the community preparing various foods and beverages to invite their gods to partake in their offerings. The third rite, Cuh Yang Apui, is dedicated to petitioning Yang Apui (the Fire God) and other deities to bring forth rain, wind, and thunder. Lastly, the concluding rite is conducted by Islamic Cham shamans who invoke Allah to grant rain and abundant crops to the region. This continuation of tradition highlights the rich cultural heritage and communal beliefs of the Cham people in contemporary society.