Kaamatan: A celebration of heritage, unity, economic vitality

Borneo Post

18-05-2025

The columnist serving as a judge for the recent Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Kapayan with his fellow judges Botiza Disimond and Philomena Engsun along with auditor Lydia Liew.
Every May, Sabah comes alive with colour, rhythm and cultural pride as communities across the state celebrate Pesta Kaamatan, a festival rooted in ancient tradition and spiritual meaning. While most prominently associated with the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities, collectively known as the KDMR, Kaamatan has evolved into a unifying celebration for all Sabahans. It symbolises gratitude, identity and continuity.
Kaamatan was officially declared a state holiday and began to be celebrated across Sabah in 1960. Before that, it was a modest observance held at the village or community level, sometimes taking place in simple clearings amid rice fields. The stories and rituals associated with the celebration varied from place to place, reflecting local interpretations and customs.
My own parents, who used to grow rice, related to me in my early childhood that Kaamatan was traditionally held after the rice harvest, typically in May, by farming communities which honoured 'Bambazon,' the spirit of the rice, in hopes of ensuring another bountiful harvest the following year. As a child, I had only a vague understanding of Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoingan, the creator deity of the Kadazan and Dusun people. According to popular belief, she sacrificed herself so that her body might be transformed into rice to feed humanity in times of famine.
It was only after 1960 that the narratives and meanings behind Kaamatan began to take shape and became standardised. Even so, many people today, including among the KDMR communities, retain only a general or superficial understanding of the festival's deeper spiritual significance.
Also known as the Harvest Festival, Kaamatan was institutionalised by the then North Borneo government following the formation of the Kadazan Cultural Association (KCA), which is now known as the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA). This development was significantly influenced by Donald Stephens (later Tun Fuad Stephens), Sabah's first Chief Minister and a prominent Kadazan leader. The festival is now celebrated annually from 1 to 31 May, with 30 and 31 May being the peak of the festivity. In the early 1980s, there was an attempt to rename Pesta Kaamatan to Pesta Rakyat for political gain, but the move, which would have rendered the festival soulless and meaningless, was soundly rejected by the people.
Apart from being a thanksgiving festival, Kaamatan is a time for reconciliation, community bonding and cultural expression. The festival is officiated annually by the Head of State of Sabah and organised by the KDCA. The month-long celebration culminates on 30 and 31 May at the KDCA Hall or Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang, where thousands gather in festive cheer.
At the heart of Kaamatan lies a deep reverence for the land, an awareness of the spiritual dimension of rice cultivation and a cultural narrative that continues to shape the social fabric of indigenous Sabah. Central to this celebration is the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, a cultural pageant unlike any other, where beauty is intertwined with heritage, poise with storytelling and youth with ancestral wisdom.
The word Kaamatan is derived from the Kadazandusun term 'tomot', meaning 'harvest'. The celebration traditionally marks the end of the rice harvesting season, a time when communities gather to give thanks to the rice spirit, 'Bambazon,' through a ceremony known as 'Magavau.' For generations, rice has been more than sustenance; it is sacred and believed to embody a spiritual essence.
According to Kadazandusun cosmology, the rice spirit 'Bambazon' was born of a divine sacrifice. The widely held belief tells of Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoingan, who willingly gave her life to save humanity from famine. Her body, buried in the earth, gave rise to the first rice plants. It is in her honour that the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant is held, with each contestant representing Huminodun's grace, compassion and spiritual beauty.
The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is perhaps the most iconic and anticipated highlight of the celebration. Often misunderstood as merely a beauty contest, the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan is in fact a cultural tribute to Huminodun. The term 'Unduk Ngadau' is often interpreted as 'the maiden crowned by the sunlight,' signifying enlightenment, warmth and the enduring legacy of womanhood in the Kadazandusun tradition.
Contestants are selected from district-level Kaamatan celebrations, where each community hosts its own local Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition. These young women or 'sumandak' are not judged solely on physical appearance, but also on their knowledge of traditions, fluency in their native languages, confidence and grace. They wear traditional attires unique to their ethnic backgrounds, such as the Kadazan 'sinuangga' and 'tangkong,' the Dusun 'tapi' and 'sinulob,' the Murut 'ba',' and the Rungus 'banat.'
On the final day of Kaamatan, the now national-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition crowns one representative as the embodiment of Huminodun, a figure who carries forward the spirit of sacrifice, wisdom and cultural continuity.
In recent years, the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan has been both celebrated for its cultural value and critiqued by some for allegedly objectifying women. Yet many past winners have become educators, community leaders and advocates for indigenous rights. They use their platforms to promote language preservation, education and pride in cultural roots.
Sabah's cultural diversity is unmatched in Malaysia, and Kaamatan is a prime platform for the state's indigenous groups to showcase their identity and heritage. The KDMR, along with other ethnic communities such as the Lundayeh, Tidong, Tatana and Lotud, unite in celebrating Kaamatan, each bringing unique customs, dialects and traditions.
Predominantly found in Penampang, Papar and Kota Kinabalu, the Kadazan communities are known for their strong Catholic influence and vibrant musical traditions. Their Kaamatan attire includes the 'sinuangga' (blouse), 'tangkong' (brass ring belt) and intricate 'silings' (laces). The Kadazan Sumazau dance, performed to the rhythm of gongs, features graceful, bird-like movements.
Being the largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Dusun communities are concentrated in the interior regions such as Ranau, Tambunan and Keningau. Although closely related to the Kadazan culturally and linguistically, Dusun communities retain distinct dialects and customs. Their Kaamatan ceremonies are often led by 'Bobohizans or Bobolians,' female priestesses who preserve ancient rituals and oral traditions.
Primarily inhabiting Tenom, Nabawan and Pensiangan, the Murut communities were formerly famous for their warrior culture. They now celebrate Kaamatan with pride in their heritage. Their signature dance, the 'Magunatip,' involves stepping in and out of clapping bamboo poles with precision and rhythm. A Murut attire often includes feathers, beadwork and traditional loincloths, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world.
Concentrated in the northern districts of Kudat and Pitas, the Rungus communities are a distinctive group within the broader Kadazandusun identity. Rungus women wear traditional black garments with colourful embroidery and layers of bead necklaces known as 'tingkob.' Their Kaamatan observances include storytelling, music using the 'sompoton' (a bamboo mouth organ), and rituals to honour their ancestors.
As Sabah progresses and modernises, Kaamatan remains essential in safeguarding cultural identity. It is not merely a nostalgic commemoration but a living tradition that adapts to contemporary realities. Young people, including those raised in urban areas, are increasingly participating in Kaamatan by learning traditional dances, speaking their mother tongues and taking part in cultural events.
Kaamatan now includes events such as traditional sports, handicraft exhibitions, cultural forums and outreach programmes. These activities ensure the festival remains relevant, inclusive and educational for all, regardless of ethnicity or age.
Two additions have emerged as important components of the festival: Sugandoi Kaamatan and Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan. Sabah, known for its talented singers, has embraced Sugandoi Kaamatan, a traditional singing competition started in 1997. It serves as a springboard for aspiring performers.
Meanwhile, the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, started in 2008 as Mister Kaamatan, is seen as the male counterpart to the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan. It encourages young KDMR men, who are viewed as 'susumangod' or warriors, to take pride in their cultural roots. While it may lack the spiritual dimension of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, it nonetheless holds cultural importance by fostering identity, confidence and continuity.
Beyond the spiritual, cultural and traditional dimensions, Kaamatan creates valuable business opportunities for the local population by driving demand across various sectors. As a major cultural event, it attracts tourists and locals, boosting the hospitality industry; hotels, homestays, transport services, and tour guides benefit significantly. Artisans and crafters see increased sales of traditional attires, beadwork, and handmade souvenirs, while food vendors profit from selling local delicacies like 'hinava,' 'tuhau,' and 'lihing' at 'tamu' markets and festival venues.
The festival also stimulates the entertainment and event services sector, with high demand for musicians, masters of ceremonies, stage setups, and decorators. The iconic Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant further drives business for tailors, make-up artists, and photographers. Farmers and agro-based entrepreneurs sell fresh produce and indigenous products, while the home-based cottage industry offers Kaamatan-themed items, traditional drinks, and crafts.
Digital commerce plays an increasing role, with many businesses promoting and selling festival-related goods online. Indeed, Kaamatan is more than a cultural celebration; it is a powerful seasonal economic driver that empowers small entrepreneurs, promotes indigenous products, and supports Sabah's rural economy. By blending tradition with enterprise, Kaamatan enhances both cultural pride and community livelihood.
Perhaps the most powerful element of Kaamatan is its ability to unite. In a state as diverse as Sabah, with more than thirty indigenous groups and over fifty languages spoken, Kaamatan brings people together through shared values: gratitude for nature's bounty, respect for traditions and the joy of communal celebration. This year's theme, 'Kaamatan montok Toinsanan' or 'Kaamatan for All,' perfectly encapsulates the inclusive spirit of the festival.
Whether in the rhythmic beat of the gongs, the grace of the Unduk Ngadau contestants, the valour of the Buvazoi Tavantang participants, the soulful voices of the Sugandoi singers, the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship or the shared warmth of the traditional rice wine or 'lihing' among friends, Kaamatan is a powerful celebration of identity. It reminds Sabahans and all Malaysians that our heritage lives on, our stories have meaning, and our future is grounded in the enduring strength of our culture and traditions.
Footnote
Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill and Investment Consultant. A Kadazan himself, he is deeply interested in the preservation and promotion of the KDMR culture and traditions. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.