Story of Huminodun and meaning of Kaamatan

Borneo Post

01-06-2025

State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025, Tati Atitih Yatih Robert, representing the district of Tamparuli, with her fellow top seven finishers.
As May came to a close with the newest Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 crowned, the echoes of gongs faded into the cool Sabahan evening. The final cheers of the crowd rang out at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) in Penampang, where the climax of Kaamatan 2025 had just unfolded. Laughter and music gave way to quiet reflection as families returned home, their hearts full from a month-long celebration that brought villages and cities to life. Once again, Sabah had come together, united in thanksgiving, in joy, and in memory. And as the dust settled from traditional dances, spirited singing and cultural showcases, what lingered was the spirit of a story, a story that has defined Kaamatan for generations.
At the heart of this grand harvest celebration lies an ancient and sacred tale, the story of Huminodun. It is a story passed down through generations of Kadazandusun elders, whispered over firelight, retold at community gatherings and honoured in sacred rites. Long ago, the world was a very different place. The land was young, and the people lived under the benevolent care of Kinoingan and his wife, Suminundu, divine beings who watched over humanity with love. They nurtured the earth and taught the people to live in harmony with nature.
But harmony was shattered when a great famine descended. Crops failed, rivers ran dry, and the soil could no longer bear fruit. The people suffered, crying out in anguish as starvation threatened to wipe them out. Kinoingan, heartbroken by the suffering of his creation, searched for a solution. It was then that he realised only a great sacrifice could save the world. And that sacrifice would have to come from someone divine, someone pure of heart.
His only daughter, Huminodun, a radiant young woman known for her grace, wisdom and compassion, stepped forward. Seeing the pain of her people, she offered herself willingly, knowing that her death would restore life to the earth. Kinoingan wept, but he honoured her bravery. Huminodun's body was laid to rest in the ground, and from it sprang rice, the sacred grain that became the lifeblood of the Kadazandusun people. Her flesh became nourishment and her spirit, 'Bambazon,' now dwells in every grain of rice.
This divine sacrifice is the spiritual foundation of Kaamatan. It is not just a harvest festival; it is a remembrance, a thanksgiving and a renewal. Every time rice is planted or harvested, every time it is eaten, the people remember Huminodun. Her story is a testament to the belief that from selflessness springs abundance, and that life is a gift not to be taken for granted.
Although rooted in ancient beliefs, Kaamatan today has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive celebration that brings together Sabahans from all walks of life. Traditionally observed by the Kadazandusun community, it is now embraced by nearly every ethnic group in the state: the Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Tatana, Tidong, Bisaya, Bajau, Chinese and others, each contributing their own colours, music, food, and language to the month-long celebration. It is a cultural mosaic bound together by shared gratitude and mutual respect.
At the spiritual heart of Kaamatan is the Magavau, a sacred ritual led by the 'Bobohizan,' the high priestess of the Kadazandusun. She calls forth the spirit of Bambazon in an ancient ceremony filled with chants and offerings, ensuring that the rice spirit remains content and that the cycle of fertility continues. Although fewer communities today practise the Magavau, its symbolism remains strong, reminding all of the sacred relationship between humanity and the earth.
Complementing these sacred elements are the rich cultural expressions that make Kaamatan such a joyful celebration. The Sumazau, Sabah's most iconic traditional dance, sees dancers move with slow, birdlike grace to the rhythm of gongs. Traditional attires, elaborately beaded and finely embroidered, fill community halls with a kaleidoscope of colours. Villages host friendly competitions in traditional sports, while food stalls offer everything from hinava to linopot, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the land.
Among the most eagerly anticipated highlights of Kaamatan is the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, a unique cultural event held in honour of Huminodun herself. District winners from across Sabah and other parts of Malaysia gather to compete, not merely in beauty, but in cultural knowledge, poise, and the embodiment of Huminodun's virtues. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, crowned at the peak of Kaamatan, is not just a beauty queen; she is a cultural ambassador, a living symbol of grace, sacrifice and continuity.
In recent years, another event has added new dimension to the festivities: the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, formerly known as Mister Kaamatan. This male cultural pageant, which has been rebranded to Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan from next year onwards, celebrates young Sabahan men who exemplify strength, cultural awareness and community leadership. Contestants compete not only in physique but in their understanding of heritage, language and values. The emergence of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan alongside Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan reflects the modern celebration's balance, honouring both masculine and feminine contributions to community and traditions.
No less exciting is the Sugandoi Kaamatan, a singing competition that draws vocal talents from across Sabah. Held at district and state levels, the Sugandoi Kaamatan gives voice to the rich musical traditions of the people. Contestants sing in native languages and often perform songs that carry the rhythms and stories of their ancestors. For many, winning Sugandoi Kaamatan is not just a personal triumph; it is a chance to preserve their culture through the power of song. In a festival so deeply rooted in oral tradition, Sugandoi Kaamatan keeps storytelling alive in one of its most beautiful forms.
Kaamatan has also grown to become an expression of unity. In a state defined by its ethnic and religious diversity, Kaamatan is a space where all are welcome. It is common to see Muslims and Christians, rural villagers and urban professionals, young and old coming together to celebrate. Cultural exhibitions, community open houses and public performances create opportunities for mutual understanding, bridging generations and backgrounds. It is, in many ways, a blueprint for harmony, showing that cultural pride and inclusiveness can coexist.
Beyond the dancing, singing and pageantry, Kaamatan is a powerful reaffirmation of identity. As globalisation and modernity threaten to erode traditional practices, this festival serves as a living classroom where the youth learn the meaning of their customs. It is an opportunity for older generations to pass down stories, rituals and skills, not just to preserve them, but to breathe new life into them. In this sense, Kaamatan is not only a celebration of the harvest, but a harvest of culture itself.
It is also a time of economic vitality. As Sabahans travel to their hometowns or flock to celebration grounds, rural and local economies benefit. Artisans sell traditional crafts, farmers showcase their produce and young entrepreneurs use the festive spirit to market everything from food to fashion. Tourists, both local and foreign, are drawn to the rich tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours, making Kaamatan one of the most significant cultural attractions in the region.
Yet, when the last gong sounds and the lights dim, what remains is the story of Huminodun, a reminder that from sacrifice comes sustenance, and from gratitude comes unity. Her spirit, said to dwell in every grain of rice, continues to nourish the people, not just physically, but spiritually. In honouring her, Sabahans reaffirm their connection to the land, to each other, and to the timeless values of compassion, selflessness and resilience.
I brought my young Chinese friend Ben to KDCA to experience Kaamatan firsthand. Although he is a Sabahan, he had only heard of the festival in passing and was unfamiliar with its deeper cultural significance. Our visit opened his eyes to the richness of this celebration. He thoroughly enjoyed the day, starting with the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan contest, where he was captivated by the vibrant performances. He sampled lihing, explored the traditional houses that showcased the diverse heritage of Sabah's indigenous communities, and even bought a beautiful bead necklace and a traditional headband as keepsakes. It was a meaningful and immersive introduction to the spirit of Kaamatan.
With Kaamatan 2025 over, the people of Sabah carry forward not only the joy of celebration but the weight of legacy. From ancient story to modern festivity, the journey of Kaamatan is one of cultural endurance and spiritual truth. It is a celebration not only of what is harvested from the land but what is cherished in the heart.
Footnote
Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultants. His Kaamatan activities included conducting public speaking talks to Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan contestants, judging the contest at district levels and helping to set the questions for the Q & A segment of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post