Ariya, a cherished poetic tradition of the Cham people, spans from concise verses to extensive epics, often composed in the lục bát (six-eight) meter. Unlike many oral folk traditions, Ariya has been meticulously preserved in ancient manuscripts written in the Akhar Thrah script, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Thong Dinh Phung, an esteemed Ariya singer from Lam Thuan village in central Lam Dong province, highlights the genre’s versatility. Ariya songs encapsulate a wide array of themes, from historical narratives and love stories to cultural customs, lunar calendar observations, and moral lessons.
“Ariya serves as a guide to family life, ethical conduct, and societal values,” Phung reflects. “As the Cham script and Ariya face the threat of obscurity, I urge our community to unite in preserving and revitalizing this precious art form.”
Among the most celebrated Ariya works is Bini-Cam, also known as Anai mai Meng Makah, a heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love between a Bàni boy and a Bàlamon girl, ultimately united in a fiery embrace. This poignant story has inspired countless artistic interpretations, from musical compositions to dance performances. Other notable Ariya genres include moral guides for Cham women, such as Ariya Amuk Thruh Palei and Ariya Pataow Adat.
Ariya’s versatility allows it to be performed at any time, whether during moments of leisure or festive celebrations. Its melodies, tonal nuances, and vocal expressions are deeply influenced by the performer’s emotions, particularly under the enchanting glow of moonlit nights near rivers or ancient temple ruins.
Recognizing Ariya’s profound historical, cultural, linguistic, and artistic significance, authorities in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces (now part of Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces) have initiated efforts to document this art form through audio and video recordings. Community classes have also been organized to teach and perpetuate the tradition.
Lam Tan Binh, a renowned Cham artisan from Binh Tien village in Bac Binh commune, Lam Dong, recalls past initiatives to preserve Cham folk music. The Binh Thuan Provincial Museum previously conducted two classes focused on teaching Cham folk music, specifically Ariya chanting, in Phan Hiep and Phan Hoa communes of Binh Thuan province (now Bac Binh commune, Lam Dong province).
“Preserving Ariya is essential for maintaining the Cham cultural identity,” Binh emphasizes. “Its rich content and diverse musical styles beautifully illustrate the unity between the Bàlamôn and Bàni communities, making its conservation and promotion imperative.”
On June 27, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially recognized Ariya singing as a national intangible cultural heritage under Decision 2216. This milestone encourages Cham-inhabited regions to develop comprehensive plans for its preservation and promotion.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Quoc Anh, former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Ninh Thuan, emphasizes the role of local communities in heritage preservation. “While we provide guidance, the success of preservation efforts ultimately relies on the dedication of communes and local governments,” he explains. “Sustaining this heritage demands strategic planning and concrete action programs.”
Moving forward, collaborative efforts among authorities, specialists, and the Cham community in Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces are vital. Supporting Ariya artisans, digitizing songs, expanding educational programs, especially for the youth, and promoting performances at cultural events, tourism sites, and online platforms will ensure that Ariya’s melodies continue to echo through Cham villages for generations to come.
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