Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Wan Junaidi (fifth right) leads the toast during the state-level Gawai Dayak Open House with Abang Johari (seventh right), Uggah (sixth right), Gerawat (eighth right) and other guests. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (June 1): The state-level Gawai Dayak celebration this year saw the Orang Ulu community take centre stage as hosts of the Gawai Dayak Open House, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, drawing over 3,000 attendees from all walks of life.
In attendance were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, along with state and federal dignitaries.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the open house was not only a platform to highlight Dayak culture and traditions, but also a testament to Sarawak's racial harmony.
'Today is an opportunity for us to showcase Dayak culture, tradition and practices, and also to bring all races together.
'We are very happy to have our Head of State, the Premier, leaders as well as people of all races in attendance. This is the true picture of Sarawak,' he told reporters.
One of the cultural performances during the open house. – Ukas photo
He added that the open house demonstrated the state's cultural diversity and harmony to the rest of Malaysia, and the pride Sarawakians have in their traditions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also chairman of the organising committee, said the Orang Ulu were proud to be given the opportunity to host this year's state-level celebration.
This year, it is our turn to host the celebration, and we are showcasing the Orang Ulu culture together with other major Dayak communities like the Bidayuh and Iban,' he said.
He noted that hosting responsibilities for the state-level Gawai celebration rotate among the Dayak communities, with the Iban community scheduled to host next year.
He also outlined a series of events held in conjunction with this year's celebration, including the Gawai Bazaar at MJC, Batu Kawa which was held from May 15 to 25, and the upcoming Gawai Dayak 'Niti Daun' Parade on June 21, which will feature 90 cultural troupes parading from Tun Jugah building to the Kuching Waterfront.
'Our guest of honour for the 'Niti Daun' Parade will be our Premier and we welcome everyone to come and join us as the parade is one of the best showcases of our Dayak culture,' he said.
More than 3,000 people from all walks of life visited the open house. – Penerangan photo
He added that there will also be a Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at BCCK where the Head of State and his wife will serve as guests of honour.
'We have also invited the Prime Minister and Premier to attend,' he added.
He said one of the highlights of the dinner will be the Kumang-Keling showcase, with participants from various divisions showcasing their traditional attire as well as other cultural performances.