Traditional games, Datun Julud dance competition to light up state-level Gawai Dayak celebration
Dennis delivers his speech during Malam Gawai Orang Ulu at the Bazaar Gawai Dayak 2025 on Friday night (May 23). – Photo by Roystein Emmor.
KUCHING (May 24): Traditional games from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, along with a Datun Julud dance competition, will be among the main highlights of this year's state-level Gawai Dayak celebration.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau announced that one of the key events will be the Gawai Dayak Traditional Games, to be organised for the first time at the FORUM Cultural Headquarters in Miri.
The games will be held during the day on June 12 and 13, featuring traditional sports and activities from various Orang Ulu ethnic groups, as well as the Bidayuh and Iban communities.
'In the evening of June 12, there will also be a Traditional Datun Julud dance competition.
'This competition highlights original Datun Julud dance styles featuring traditional rhythms and movements,' he said during Malam Gawai Orang Ulu at the Bazaar Gawai Dayak 2025 on Friday night (May 23).
He explained that the competition is specifically for groups of eight performers, and it aims to preserve the authentic form of the Datun Julud dance.
'Contemporary versions often include unfamiliar floral patterns. To preserve the authentic form, the committee is organising this competition for those who can perform the original style.
'The traditional Datun Julud competition is not exclusive to the Orang Ulu only. People from various backgrounds like Chinese, Iban, even non-indigenous, who are skilled in performing the traditional Datun Julud dance are welcome to participate,' he said.
The prizes are RM5,000 for first place, RM3,000 for second, and RM2,000 for third.
Dennis, who is also President of the Kayan Association of Sarawak, said this year's Gawai will focus on Orang Ulu culture as part of the rotation of leadership among the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Iban communities. community dance competition Dennis Ngau Gawai Dayak lead traditional games
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Youth trio strive to keep the Orang Ulu's sape legacy alive
KUCHING: At the entrance of the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house, the delicate, resonant notes of the sape, a traditional lute-like string instrument of the Orang Ulu people, floated through the air. Yet it wasn't veteran hands behind the strings. It was three young musicians, determined to carry their ancestral culture into the future. Dressed in attire inspired by their Indigenous roots, the trio, members of the Kuching-based Anak Seni Sape Kuching Association (PUSAK), drew a steady crowd with their spirited performance of Det Diet Tapong Kitan, a traditional piece often played to welcome guests and accompany warrior dances such as Datun Julud or Ajai. 'I started learning the sape at 15 after being inspired by my cousin,' said Dexter Wong Kian Hao, 22, of Kayan-Chinese heritage. 'This song is deeply rooted in our culture. We don't want it to fade away.' For Martinus Njok Sebi, 23, of Kenyah-Iban descent, the sape is more than just music, it's identity. Having joined PUSAK in 2021, Martinus has performed regularly at cultural events across Sarawak. Now in his final year at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, he hopes others his age will continue the tradition. 'As a sape player, I want to see more young people learning and passing on this tradition,' he said. The group's youngest member, 19-year-old Mohd Ikhmal Hakim from Belaga, began playing at age 10, having discovered it through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Of mixed Malay, Iban and Sekapan heritage, Ikhmal now studies Early Childhood Education and shares his sape playing on TikTok to help spark wider interest. 'Social media has made it easier for people to discover the sape. I see more and more young people getting interested,' he said. The Gawai Dayak Open House, hosted by Orang Ulu leaders, drew around 3,000 visitors from across Sarawak's diverse communities. The event, which ran from 9 am to 2 pm, featured traditional performances and high-profile guests, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also in attendance were the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, alongside members of the federal and state cabinets.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
Joy at Sarawak govt Gawai Day Open House
KUCHING: The sounds of the sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community, as well as dance performances from various ethnic groups were among the highlights of the Gawai Dayak Day Open House organised by the Sarawak government today. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), the event, organised by Orang Ulu leaders, was attended by approximately 3,000 visitors from diverse racial backgrounds. The event, which started from 9 am to 2 pm, was graced by the guests of honour, Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The programme was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Ammar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and a line-up of state cabinet ministers. Earlier, the arrival of the guest of honour was accompanied by a parade and a performance of Ngentau Lan'e and Belian Suket by the Sarawak Kenyah National Association (PKKS), which is often sung by the Kenyah community to welcome guests. As the chairman of the Organising Committee, Gerawat, who is also an Orang Ulu of the Kelabit ethnic group, said this year's open house event provides an opportunity for the community to showcase their culture through clothing and performances to the visitors. 'As the main hosts and organisers, we are showcasing our culture to outsiders... not only the Orang Ulu but also other communities such as the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said. Unable to celebrate Gawai Day with her family due to work commitments, Suzanna Nyuak, 32, said the festive occasion was a platform for Sarawakians to celebrate the festival regardless of their race or religion. 'I was on duty as the receptionist for this event, and the warmth of the event was felt when people started coming in. 'For all Sarawakians, especially my family in Kapit, I hope this year's Gawai Day will give meaning to all of us,' said Suzana, who is from Kampung Nanga Ibau, Kapit.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
PETRONAS presents ‘Marked' this Gawai as a tribute to inner strength and cultural pride
KUCHING: In celebrating this year's Gawai festivities, PETRONAS proudly presents 'Marked' or 'Tanda Kasih', a touching story that explores the power of personal resilience, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of cultural pride. In a statement, PETRONAS said the film, which premiered today across their official YouTube and Facebook channels, follows Melia, a young Iban girl, as she undergoes an emotional journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of growing up with a prominent birthmark on her forehead. As Gawai approaches, Melia is asked to wear the sugu tinggi, a traditional Iban woman's headdress that symbolises dignity and cultural heritage. However, doubt lingers in her heart as she wonders if she is truly worthy of bearing such a significant piece of tradition. 'Her silent struggles go largely unnoticed by her family, except for her grandmother, whose loving presence and gentle encouragement become a source of strength and guidance. 'More than a story of self-acceptance, 'Marked' celebrates the ties that unite us, family, and community, and reminds us that strength grows through connection and shared heritage,' the statement read. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Norafizal Mat Saad said 'Marked' is a tribute to the strength within communities in Malaysia and the richness of the Iban tradition. 'At PETRONAS, we believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our people and cultures. It also reflects the values of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that when we stand together and support one another, we create space for everyone to belong and thrive,' he was quoted as saying. Norafizal hoped that the story would encourage Malaysians to embrace their identity with pride and support each other in the journey of self-discovery. In the spirit of the harvest season, PETRONAS also presents 'Crown of Love' or 'Mahkota Teristimewa', a Kaamatan story that celebrates community strength and the meaning of love. 'Though from different cultures, both films share a message of embracing diversity and being true to ourselves, reflecting a Malaysia where differences connect, not divide,' the statement added.
