Ponagar Tower was built from around the 8th to the 13th century, is a unique ancient Cham architectural complex associated with the worship of Mother Goddess YA Na; ranked as a national architectural and artistic relic in 1979. This place not only preserves many historical values, unique sculptures, but is also the center of spiritual and cultural activities of the Cham - Vietnamese community. In 2012, Ponagar Tower Festival was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Through the ups and downs of history, the Ponagar Tower relic has received increasing attention for investment and systematic preservation, clearly promoting its role as a typical center of Mother Goddess worship not only in Khanh Hoa but also in the South Central region. The Ponagar Tower also hosts regular performances such as "Linh linh xu Tram" (Sacred Land of Agarwood) and "Trang soi dap Thap" (Moon reflects on the shape of the Tower), contributing to enriching the cultural life of the relic, bringing to the people and visitors experiences rich in traditional identity.
In addition, the Holy Mother Thien YA Na, the deity worshiped at Ponagar Tower, is also the Ancestor of the Agarwood profession, respected and honored by Agarwood workers for many generations. Associated with this belief, the Agarwood profession in Khanh Hoa has developed strongly, creating many diverse and unique OCOP products, contributing to the unique identity of the "Agarwood Land".
With its special historical and cultural values, Ponagar Tower was officially ranked as a special national monument according to Decision No. 152/QD-TTg dated January 17, 2025 of the Prime Minister . At the same time, "Knowledge of exploiting and processing Khanh Hoa Agarwood" was also included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage according to Decision No. 1651/QD-BVHTTDL dated June 3, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tran Quoc Nam, Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to continue researching, advising and proposing to the Provincial People's Committee specific contents and solutions to contribute to preserving and promoting more effectively the typical and unique traditional cultural values of Khanh Hoa province associated with the special national relic of Ponagar Tower, the national intangible cultural heritage of Khanh Hoa Agarwood exploitation and processing knowledge.
Mr. Trieu The Hung, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society, said that in the context of integration, preserving cultural identity associated with sustainable development is an urgent requirement. Khanh Hoa province needs to continue promoting the value of Ponagar Tower, harmonizing the preservation of relics, landscapes and indigenous culture.
"The National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society pledges to accompany localities; focus on perfecting the legal system, innovating cultural mechanisms and policies in accordance with the country's characteristics; developing cultural industries, turning heritage into a resource for socio-economic development and improving people's lives," affirmed Mr. Trieu The Hung.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/khanh-hoa-don-nhan-bang-xep-hang-di-tich-quoc-gia-dac-biet-thap-ba-ponagar-post803292.html
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