 Thong Dinh Phung, an expert in the Cham art of Ariya chanting (Photo: Jasi/VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
Researchers of Cham culture say Ariya chants have been around for a long time, passed down orally like other types of folk literature and art, and also documented in ancient manuscripts written in the Cham script. Ariya chants vary in length. Some have only a few dozen verses, while others extend to hundreds of lines.
Thong Dinh Phung of Lam Dong province, an expert in the Cham art of Ariya chanting, said the themes and content of Ariya chants range from historical events, love stories, customs, and calendar studies to moral teachings and family values.
“Ariya serve as moral lessons that speak to husbands and wives, parents and children, about life and religion. There are many Ariya chants that we should preserve for future generations. Cham people must learn the Cham script and the Ariya chants to safeguard our culture,” Phung said.
 An Ariya chanting performance at Po Sah Inu tower (Photo: Jasi/VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
Ariya can be performed anywhere, anytime – in leisure moments or at festivals. The melody, tone, and intensity of each line can be freely expressed according to the singer’s emotions and the context – a moonlit night beside the river, in a village courtyard, or in an ancient Cham tower.
Local authorities and the Cham community are working to preserve and develop the historical, cultural, linguistic, and artistic values of Ariya chanting. They have recorded and videotaped Ariya chants and organized classes to teach the genre to the Cham community.
“Ariya includes the theme of solidarity between the Balamon and Bani religions. We must preserve and promote this as a Cham cultural heritage,” said Lam Tan Binh, a Meritorious Artisan, who lives in Lam Dong province.
 Meritorious Artisan Lam Tan Binh (Photo: Jasi/VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
The Ariya chanting art of the Cham people was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in June.
“The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism merely serves as the guiding agency. The implementation is done by the communes. Preserving Ariya should be included in provincial action programs and plans,” said Associate Professor Dr. Phan Quoc Anh, former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Ninh Thuan (now part of Khanh Hoa province).
 An Ariya class in Lam Dong province (Photo: Jasi/VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
Experts suggested that authorities continue to support artisans who perform Ariya chanting, digitalize Ariya chants, and organize Ariya classes for young people. Ariya performances should be included in cultural events and tourism models, and promoted on social media platforms, they said.