Indian Writer Impressed by Vietnam’s Vibrant Cham Culture

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According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Oceania, from traditional weaving villages to sacred blessings, Mahabir recounted five experiences that captivated and immersed her, offering a rare glimpse into the vibrant Cham culture of the “S-shaped country.”

Indian writer Ankita Mahabir was most impressed by the blessing ceremony that blended Hindu, Islamic, and animist traditions. (Photo: VNA)

Mahabir shared that she went on a journey to “rediscover history” at the Cham Museum - a modest building in Phan Rang-Thap Cham. Though not large in scale, the museum is a source of pride for locals, housing sandstone sculptures, portraits, and rare, carefully preserved artifacts.

For the author, what made the visit special was not only the collections themselves but also the cultural context and the multi-layered symbolism behind the rituals, as well as the way Cham identity continues to evolve in modern Vietnam. She affirmed that for those wishing to gain deeper insights into Cham culture, this museum is undoubtedly an excellent starting point.

At the My Nghiep brocade weaving village, Mahabir was fascinated by the appearance of ancient geometric motifs on each thread. In her view, Cham weaving is not merely decorative but also symbolic - each pattern tells a story about the harvest, ancient deities, or spiritual beliefs.

While visiting the Bau Truc pottery village, one of the oldest in Southeast Asia, the Indian writer had the chance to try shaping pottery from clay. She was delighted to witness Cham women crafting entirely by hand, rotating the clay with meticulous movements, their graceful bodily motions becoming part of the shaping process. Notably, no two pots are ever identical - each bears its beauty and uniqueness.

Cham weaving art is vividly depicted in Ankita Mahabir’s article, with each pattern telling a story about the harvest, ancient deities, and cosmic beliefs. (Photo: VNA)

Strolling through the Po Klong Garai Temple, built in the 13th century to honor King Po Klong Garai and one of the best-preserved Cham monuments, Mahabir felt her spirit calm and uplifted as she beheld the striking red sandstone towers against the blue sky, the linga-yoni shrine, and the intricately carved bas-reliefs recalling the heyday of the Champa Kingdom. Rituals are still held here during Cham festivals such as Kate, with large gatherings of devotees in traditional attire offering tributes and praying to their ancestors.

One of the most “deeply imprinted” moments in her journey, Mahabir recalled, was a ceremony held at a sacred site within the grounds of the Amanoi resort, where she stayed. Here, she witnessed a rare ancestral blessing ritual led by a Cham Bani master outside of the usual Cham festivals. His chanting resonated amid soft, sacred music - a refined blend of animism, Hinduism, and Islam. The experience was not performative but profoundly respectful, as if inviting her into a world few outsiders ever see.

Alongside the stunning scenery and vibrant Cham culture, the Indian writer was also deeply impressed by Cham cuisine - from turmeric curry and tamarind soup to handcrafted chocolate engraved with traditional patterns - all of which left her feeling inspired.

Mahabir noted that the area also offers many other unique attractions. Visitors can explore the nearby Vinh Hy fishing village, wander through Ninh Thuận Stone Park, or hike in Nui Chua National Park. Climbing to the summit of Go Cong was also a delightful experience, which she humorously revealed she managed “quite easily.”

The writer concluded that engaging with the Cham community is a reminder that luxury does not always equate to opulence - sometimes it is about access to stillness, to ritual, and to connection. For her, these were meaningful “encounters” with a people whose culture continues to shape the “soul of the South” quietly, beautifully, and enduringly.

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