Listening to “Echoes of the Sunlit Towers” – Discovering the Unique Charm of Cham Pa Traditional Culture

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Trang Duong

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24/09/2024(18 views)

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On September 25, 2024, the Institute of Culture - Arts & Media at Van Lang University hosted the artistic music event “Echoes of the Sunlit Towers.” This event aimed to honor and preserve the cultural heritage of Chaa, featuring the participation of Cham poet and cultural researcher Inrasara, along with a delegation of artisans from Phan Rang. The program offered a sublime experience immersed in traditional melodies while enhancing students’ awareness of the nation’s cultural values.

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Cham Pa culture, a legacy developed and preserved from the 2nd to the 15th century, forms an indispensable part of Vietnam’s cultural mosaic. The Cham people’s spirit is reflected through numerous architectural and artistic achievements rooted in history. As the first university to bear the national title, Van Lang University is deeply committed to fostering patriotism and respect for traditional culture among young generations. The event served as a unique “classroom” for Van Lang students to explore the rich cultural heritage of Cham Pa.

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lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-c.jpg — The performance began with a sacred Cham dance, embodying profound spiritual values, and the duet “Ben Nuoc Tinh Yeu” by Van Lang students. This introduction guided the audience on a journey to Central Vietnam, unveiling the distinctive cultural beauty of the Cham people.

During the meeting with the Van Lang community, poet and researcher Inrasara delivered a lecture on Cham society and its people from an open perspective: “The Cham bloodline has intertwined with various ethnicities across the globe. This centuries-old culture has contributed to the spiritual values of other nations and cultures. Thus, preserving and gaining a truthful perspective on Cham historical and social milestones plays a vital role in maintaining the traditional pride not only of the Cham people in Vietnam but also of other ethnic communities across this land.”

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-d.jpg — Inrasara proudly highlighted nine significant contributions of the Cham people to Vietnam’s cultural heritage: territorial cultivation, interwoven bloodlines, maritime history, architectural sculpture, literature and language, matriarchy, unique trades, religion, and music.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-e.jpg — As the head of the Inra Jaka Phu Tue Nang Art Troupe, poet and researcher Inrasara presented Van Lang University with a collection of his authored research works. Each page stands as a testament to his profound love for the Cham people and their heritage.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-f.jpg — Delving into Cham Pa music, representative of the Cham Art Troupe, Mr. Inra Jaka Phu Tue Nang, enthusiastically introduced traditional instruments central to ceremonial ensembles, symbolizing various parts of a divine being.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-g.jpg — The Pa-ra-nung drum represents the chest, concealing the emotions and thoughts of humanity. To play the drum, Cham artisans must place it against their chest and thighs, symbolizing its profound connection to the human spirit.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-h.jpg — According to Cham beliefs, the Ghi-nang drum pair symbolizes male and female energies, with one drumhead touching the ground while the other faces the sky, achieving a harmonious balance of yin and yang in spiritual life.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-j.jpg — Accompanying the rhythmic resonance of the drums, the Saranai flute is played, symbolizing the head. It is the only pitch-setting instrument present in Cham spiritual, festive, and everyday activities.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-k.jpg — Cham music would not be complete without the graceful dance of the Ba bong (muh pajơw). These performers act as intermediaries with the divine during ceremonies and rituals.

lang-nghe-am-vang-mien-thap-nang-kham-pha-net-dep-van-hoa-truyen-thong-cham-pa-l.jpg — Following the elegance of the fan dance, the audience was captivated by the powerful performance featuring a whip, a hallmark of fire-stamping dances, performed by artisan Phu Tue Nang.

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“Echoes of the Sunlit Towers” concluded amidst the audience’s joy and excitement. Special thanks to Poet Nguyen Duy – Vice Director of the Institute of Cultural, Arts, and Media Studies and Head of Van Lang Cultural Club – for connecting Poet Inrasara and Cham artists, and creating this meaningful artistic event. The program also served as an inspiring lesson for the Van Lang community. It is hoped that after this cultural exchange, students will gain a deeper appreciation and passion for traditional values, fostering and promoting the nation’s unique identity.

News: Trang Duong
Photos: Dac Khanh, Le Hoang