In Cham culture, Kadhar is an important folk religious dignity in the spiritual life of the Cham people. The main task of this system of dignitaries is to sing hymns, praise the gods' merits in rituals in temples (ngap yang ngok bimong), clan rituals such as Puis - Payak, Rija thrua ceremony and Kut entry ritual of the Cham Ahiér. Kadhar's musical heritage is a combination of ceremonial songs accompanying Kanyi musical instrument, forming a unique ritual art form that plays a prominent role in the Cham art.
Carried out in Cham villages in Ninh Thuan province, the project team of Dong Thanh Danh (researcher), Thap Hong Luyen (videographer, editor) and Han Duong Hai Dang (videographer) has introduced a multi-disc DVD collection containing all the songs (with translations of lyrics) and a two-part documentary around the life and art of Kadhar masters were released in November 2019.
Archive and sharing documents:
- Documentary researching and introducing Kadhar singing ritual – Part 1 – Watch here
- Documentary researching and introducing Kadhar singing ritual – Part 2 – Watch here
- 22 ceremonial songs of Cham people – Watch here