There are traditional festivals that you shouldn't start with the familiar question posed by mass tourists: "What fun activities are there to see?" The Rija Nagar ritual of the Cham people in Binh Nghia village is one such special case. This is not an entertainment event organized to attract tourists seeking novelty, but a significant early-year ritual tied to the spiritual life, history, and collective memory of the Cham people living in the old Ninh Thuan region (now within the broader tourism circuit of the new Khanh Hoa).
The early-year ritual in Binh Nghia village has long been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, a title that proves its enduring vitality and unique historical value. Within this festival system, Rija Nagar serves as a ritual to honor the land, held to pray for peace, send away the misfortunes and risks of the old year, and welcome goodness and prosperity for the entire village in the new year. For travelers who have the opportunity to access this space, the supreme thing to keep in mind is: you are entering a sacred space of an ethnic group. Every action, from observing, filming, and photographing to chatting, must be carried out with the utmost respect for the customs and emotions of the local people.
The deep meaning behind the sacred dance and the ancient drum beats
If viewed only through a superficial lens, a visitor is easily attracted by the powerful visual and auditory elements: the vibrant colors of traditional Cham costumes, the deep, resonant sound of the Baranung drum, the shrill notes of the Saranai flute, and the graceful dances of the medium (Ka-ing) in the middle of the ceremonial yard. However, everything one sees and hears is just the outer shell of a heritage with centuries of depth. The core meaning of Rija Nagar lies in the invisible spiritual thread connecting the present to the past, and humanity to the world of deities and ancestors.
The word "Rija" in the Cham language is associated with ritualistic dances, while "Nagar" is a symbol of the land, of the homeland and village. Therefore, Rija Nagar is never a personal ritual or one confined to a single family; it is a major festival of the entire community. When the first beat of the Baranung drum signals the start of the festival, it is also the moment when community bonds are tightened more than ever. The living remember the merits of those who have passed away, generations of the clan gather together, and the whole village shares a common belief directed toward the land to which they have been attached through many historical ups and downs.
Approaching heritage as a civilized guest
Because of the sacred nature and community focus of Rija Nagar in Binh Nghia village, visits by tourists require strict adherence to codes of conduct. This is not a place for you to go on indiscriminate "photo hunts." If you wish to experience and learn, try to go with a guide who has a deep understanding of Cham culture or contact reputable people in the village beforehand to be guided to an appropriate observation spot.
Code of conduct when attending the Rija Nagar festival:
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Wear modest, respectful clothing (avoid tank tops, shorts).
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Stand in the outer perimeter area designated for visitors.
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Do not enter the central area of the ceremonial mat where the ritualist is performing.
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Turn off phone sounds and do not use flash when filming or taking pictures.
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Always smile and maintain a listening, learning attitude when talking to villagers.
Throughout the ceremony, there will be segments where the ritualist performs intense spiritual rites, enters a trance, and performs sacred dances. These are moments sensitive to their faith. If you observe that the surrounding villagers are standing silently, lowering their eyes, or not using their phones, please follow them immediately. Respecting the spiritual rhythm of the festival is always more important and valuable than trying to save a photo or a short clip to post on social media.
