‘Birarak' and Bidayuh pride

The Star

5 days ago

Simon (second from right) and Johannes (right) greeting the parade participants.
KAMPUNG Taee, a Bidayuh village near Serian in Sarawak, came alive in a vibrant spectacle of culture, heritage and unity at its annual Gawai parade.
Known as 'Birarak', the 5km parade took place on June 1 as Sarawak's Dayak community – comprising the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu – celebrated the Gawai harvest festival.
The annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee was a colourful showcase of Bidayuh culture. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums.
Among them were 14 Bidayuh beauty queens in traditional costumes, symbolising the grace and elegance of their cultural heritage, as well as a number of participants in warrior regalia.
Parade participants performing a traditional dance along the route.
Households along the route greeted the parade with enthusiasm, offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality.
'This is the 55th time that the parade has taken place since 1970,' organising chairman Johannes Ridu said.
Parade participants chatting with a visitor during the Gawai celebration at Kampung Taee.
'We hold it to celebrate the harvest festival every year and to thank the Almighty for a bountiful harvest for Kampung Taee.'
Participants in warrior regalia walking along the parade route through Kampung Taee.
Altogether some 3,000 people joined the festivities, including visitors and foreign tourists.
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang, who was the guest of honour, said the strong turnout reflected the community's pride in their heritage.
Households along the route offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality.
He said the presence of many visitors also showcased Sarawak's unity in diversity.
'Gawai is a festival we all look forward to every year, not only by the Dayaks. If you look around, we have people from all races coming here to celebrate.
Elly took part in the parade to promote her Bidayuh heritage.
'This is something unique to Sarawak. Although we come from different races and religions, we can gather during Gawai to celebrate together,' he said.
Simon also said Sarawakians are known for their friendliness and hospitality in welcoming guests to their festive celebrations.
Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums.
'We welcome everyone to enjoy the Gawai celebration throughout Sarawak,' he added.
Elly Eugenia Gavin, one of the beauty queens in the parade, took pride in the opportunity to promote her Bidayuh heritage.
Bidayuh warriors performing a traditional dance.
The 23-year-old student said the parade is a way to introduce Bidayuh culture to a wider audience beyond Sarawak.
'By taking part in the parade, I get to showcase my Bidayuh traditional attire, which I believe can attract the interest of tourists.
Villagers getting ready for the annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee.- ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
'The younger generation like myself can also use social media to promote awareness and appreciation of our culture and traditions,' she said.
Japanese visitor Yushi Itagaki, who attended the parade with his mother Sachiyo, said they enjoyed their first experience of the event.
Villagers performing a traditional dance during the Gawai parade. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
'I can see a lot of local culture here,' he said.
Sachiyo said that they missed last year's parade as they went to Kampung Taee on June 2.
'They told us to come on June 1 this year so that we won't miss it again. It's very exciting to be here watching the parade,' she said.