Kaamatan shines with music, colour and unity
Celebrating the harvest: Women in Dusun Lobu Sook traditional attire holding gongs as they get ready to perform during Kaamatan.
PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall exploded in colour, rhythm and community spirit as thousands of Sabahans – joined by curious tourists – packed the grounds to mark the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival.
While the month-long festival is celebrated across the state, it is now that everything comes alive in full force; from the beat of traditional gongs and lively sumazau dance performances to the scent of grilled meat and displays of intricate handwoven beadwork.
Beyond the much-anticipated Unduk Ngadau pageant, festival-goers are treated to a vibrant mix of attractions, traditional sports like mipulos (arm wrestling), cultural showcases and stalls offering Sabahan favourites and handicrafts.
Among the crowd was Ho Ken Nyen, who flew in from Sandakan, over 300km away with three friends just to experience the celebration for the first time.
'I've always heard people talk about Kaamatan, but never had the chance to see it in person,' he said.
'As a Chinese Sabahan, I don't celebrate it, but I've always felt proud of this tradition. When I was studying in Peninsular Malaysia, I used to show my friends pictures of Kaamatan and I'd say, this is Sabah.'
Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for a new young maiden to take centre stage and be crowned Unduk Ngadau, and step into the role of cultural ambassador.
A dancer in traditional costume performing during the Kaamatan event.
The grand finale of the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will be held today at KDCA's iconic Hongkod Koisaan hall, the heart of Sabah's native heritage where traditions, history and customs of the indigenous communities are preserved, honoured and proudly celebrated.
Each year, people from all over the state converge here to cheer on their district representatives in this highly anticipated event.
'I am here to find out the next Unduk Ngadau. To me, it does not matter which district she's representing, because I feel that they are all beautiful.
'We are here to celebrate the tradition and culture, that is all that matters,' said Diana Paul from Kota Marudu.
For reigning queen Hyellene Danius, this marks the close of a meaningful year-long journey as the face of Sabah's cultural pride.
The youngest of nine siblings, Danius, who represented Inanam district, is a Bahasa Malaysia teacher at SJK(C) Tsi Sin in Tenom.
Last year, she captured the judges' hearts not only with her beauty and elegance but also with her poise and fluency in answering two questions in the Dusun language during the question-and-answer session.
From heritage forums and gala nights to traditional crafts, cooking and visits to the Sabah Museum and Kampung Budaya Koisaan, each Uduk Ngadau contestant has immersed herself in the spirit of Huminodun, the legendary figure the pageant honours.
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