(VOVworld) - Chhay-dam drum dancing, an indispensable part of Khmer festivals in the southern province of Tay Ninh, has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Duong Van Phong (R), director of Tay Ninh’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, grants a certificate to recognize Chhay-dam drum dancing as a national intangible cultural heritage for a representative of Truong Tay commune. (Photo: VNA)

The People’s Committee of Truong Tay commune, Hoa Thanh district, held a ceremony on Monday to acknowledge the honour.

The dance style was taught to Khmer people in Tay Ninh by a Cambodian in 1972 and performed at festivals of the Cao Dai Church in the province.

A performance of Chhay-dam drum dancing (Photo: baotayninh.vn)

A Chhay-dam drum is made from the hollow tree trunk of an old areca tree. Drummers use their elbows and heels to beat the drum in time with rhythmic hand-dance movements.