Thousands of pilgrims from other localities including Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai flocked to opening day. The event featured a lantern releasing ceremony, a ceremony to pray for peace and prosperity for the country, and an offering to the Holy Mother.
Performances of folklore art forms such as Tuong (classical drama) and traditional Cham dances were also staged at the festival to honor the spiritual cultural traditions found in the daily lives of the Cham people in the south central region.
Located in Vinh Phuoc, in Nha Trang City, Ponagar Tower was built in the typical architectural style of the Cham people. The Ponagar Tower Festival has been acknowledged as a national festival since 2001 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
