A cultural-tourism festival, called the Ponagar Festival, began in Nha Trang city, in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on April 26.

Representatives from the relevant central agencies, Khanh Hoa’s authorities and local people and foreign visitors attended the traditional worship services at the Ponagar Godmother Temple.

According to the legend, the Godmother is the embodiment of a creature who brought about happiness and long lasting peace for people.

The festival, scheduled from April 26-28, is among the 15 biggest nationwide festivals.

Many cultural and sports activities and art performances featuring specific characteristics of the Cham ethnic minority people have been organised during the festival.