Bidayuh culture showcased at MJC Batu Kawa's Gawai Bazaar 2025
KUCHING (May 22): Traditional dances and modern Bidayuh music were showcased during Bidayuh Gawai Night held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa last night.
Popular Serian band Wooden Gun and Lundu singer Rannee Pat brought the house down with their performances, which had the crowd dancing and singing along.
There were also traditional dances and music from different troupes representing the various Bidayuh sub-ethnic groups from Serian, Padawan/Penrissen, Bau, and Lundu.
There was also a special performance by the Semban Ring Ladies.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated at the event, praised the event for being a platform to showcase the Bidayuh community's rich cultural heritage.
He said the event was among the main activities for the Gawai Bazaar 2025, which is hosted and organised by the Orang Ulu community.
'The Bidayuh community through Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is given a slot to organise this Gawai night, to showcase our rich cultural heritage.
'I hope those who come to this event will also support the food and handicraft vendors at this Gawai Bazaar by buying items from them,' said the DBNA advisor.
DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat.
Sagah and other distinguished guests also took part in the 'Bilamak' dance, traditionally performed to honour the paddy spirit, which was the finale for the traditional dance segment.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala – who is the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration organising chairman; Gawai Bazaar committee chairman Paulus Palu Gumbang; Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben; Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
The Iban community will hold their Gawai Night tonight, while the Orang Ulu community's slot is tomorrow night.
The closing of the Gawai Bazaar will be on Sunday, with Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom scheduled to officiate.
Wooden Gun members perform their hit songs including their latest 'Daari Gap' (Elegant Man). Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead MJC Batu Kawa Roland Sagah Wee Inn Wooden Gun
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