Latest news with #Bidayuh
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Malay Mail
Indi Awang, Indi Asung: Thousands join vibrant Brarak and Bipijak Gawai parade celebrating Bidayuh unity, culture
PADAWAN, June 3 — Despite the sweat dripping from their foreheads and the scorching heat stinging their skin, 21 contingents from various Bidayuh sub-ethnicities marched proudly and resolutely in a vibrant parade yesterday. The procession, held in conjunction with the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai 2025 Programme in Kampung Segu Benuk, showcased the rich cultural heritage and striking traditional costumes unique to each of their communities. Accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and enthusiastic cheers from spectators lining the roughly one-kilometre route, the event became more than just a visual spectacle. It served as a meaningful platform to strengthen unity amid diversity, beautifully reflecting the spirit of 'Indi Awang, Indi Asung', which means 'one soul' in the Bidayuh language. For Tyeza Ahira Henry, 21, from the Bisitang Association in Kampung Simbuh, the event marked a significant milestone as it was the community's first-ever participation in the programme. Tyeza, who expressed pride in representing her village, said the event opened a valuable space for the Bidayuh people, especially the youth, to better understand and celebrate the diversity within their ethnic group. Although our contingent is quite small, the welcoming vibe here is undeniable, especially with villagers offering us food and drinks along the way. This is our first time participating in such an event and, of course, we look forward to joining again next year,' she said. 'This event provides an opportunity, especially for the young, to get to know other sub-ethnicities within the Bidayuh community. We have so many distinct cultural practices, languages and traditional costumes based on our respective villages,' she told Bernama. Another participant, Erida Jerry, 30, described the active involvement of the young generation as a positive sign in upholding the culture of the tribe to visitors from outside Sarawak. The vibrant atmosphere of the parade left a lasting impression on participants and visitors alike, with many hoping it would become a permanent annual tradition. The Bidayuh community of Kampung Segu Bunuk participated in the Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 parade held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak Festival celebration at Kampung Segu Bunuk, Jalan Puncak Borneo in Padawan. — Bernama pic The proud Bidayuh Bisitang participant expressed her enthusiasm, noting that events like these not only showcase culture but also foster deeper connections within the community. 'The Gawai Parade should be organised every year because we can feel the excitement growing from one edition to the next. If given the chance, I would love to continue being part of it,' she said. Meanwhile, Dr Hilda Michael, 32, who represented the Biya Association contingent, shared her delight at the warmth and hospitality extended by the residents of Kampung Segu Benuk. 'Although our contingent is small, the welcoming vibe here is undeniable, especially with villagers offering us food and drinks along the way. This is our first time participating in such an event and, of course, we look forward to joining again next year,' she said. This year's event marked a significant milestone for the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai 2025 Programme, now in its third edition. Organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), it recorded a remarkable increase in participation, growing from just six contingents in 2024 to around 3,000 participants this year, a testament to its rising popularity and cultural significance. Recognising its potential, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that with its steadily growing attendance and interest from visitors beyond Sarawak, the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai events could soon find a place in the state's tourism calendar, further enriching the festivities surrounding the annual Gawai Day celebration. 'With the current response, we will improve the programme to include many other things to reflect the diversity of Sarawak's culture to the world,' said the Mambong Assemblyman. Meanwhile, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin, who is also PSBP patron, shared that plans are underway to further elevate Kampung Segu Benuk as a cultural and tourism hub. He revealed that the state government, through the Greater Kuching Development Coordinating Agency (GKCDA), has proposed the development of a cultural centre in the village. 'This plan involves an area of about two hectares and will not only serve to strengthen the role of the Bidayuh community as a cultural and tourism destination, but also enhance the infrastructure needed to host large-scale programmes like this parade in future,' he said. Brarak and Bipajak, which means march and gather in the Bidayuh language, spanned a lively one-kilometre route. Along the way, each contingent proudly showcased their unique identity through intricate traditional attire, rhythmic music, and customary performances, turning the parade into a mesmerising display of colour, sound, and the rich diversity of Bidayuh sub-ethnicities. — Bernama
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Brarak and Bipijak Gawai' parade showcases Bidayuh heritage
PADAWAN: Despite the sweat dripping from their foreheads and the scorching heat stinging their skin, 21 contingents from various Bidayuh sub-ethnicities marched proudly and resolutely in a vibrant parade yesterday. The procession, held in conjunction with the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai 2025 Programme in Kampung Segu Benuk, showcased the rich cultural heritage and striking traditional costumes unique to each of their communities. Accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and enthusiastic cheers from spectators lining the roughly one-kilometre route, the event became more than just a visual spectacle. It served as a meaningful platform to strengthen unity amid diversity, beautifully reflecting the spirit of 'Indi Awang, Indi Asung', which means 'one soul' in the Bidayuh language. For Tyeza Ahira Henry, 21, from the Bisitang Association in Kampung Simbuh, the event marked a significant milestone as it was the community's first-ever participation in the programme. Tyeza, who expressed pride in representing her village, said the event opened a valuable space for the Bidayuh people, especially the youth, to better understand and celebrate the diversity within their ethnic group. Although our contingent is quite small, the welcoming vibe here is undeniable, especially with villagers offering us food and drinks along the way. This is our first time participating in such an event and, of course, we look forward to joining again next year,' she said. 'This event provides an opportunity, especially for the young, to get to know other sub-ethnicities within the Bidayuh community. We have so many distinct cultural practices, languages and traditional costumes based on our respective villages,' she told Bernama. Another participant, Erida Jerry, 30, described the active involvement of the young generation as a positive sign in upholding the culture of the tribe to visitors from outside Sarawak. The vibrant atmosphere of the parade left a lasting impression on participants and visitors alike, with many hoping it would become a permanent annual tradition. The proud Bidayuh Bisitang participant expressed her enthusiasm, noting that events like these not only showcase culture but also foster deeper connections within the community. 'The Gawai Parade should be organised every year because we can feel the excitement growing from one edition to the next. If given the chance, I would love to continue being part of it,' she said. Meanwhile, Dr Hilda Michael, 32, who represented the Biya Association contingent, shared her delight at the warmth and hospitality extended by the residents of Kampung Segu Benuk. 'Although our contingent is small, the welcoming vibe here is undeniable, especially with villagers offering us food and drinks along the way. This is our first time participating in such an event and, of course, we look forward to joining again next year,' she said. This year's event marked a significant milestone for the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai 2025 Programme, now in its third edition. Organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), it recorded a remarkable increase in participation, growing from just six contingents in 2024 to around 3,000 participants this year, a testament to its rising popularity and cultural significance. Recognising its potential, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that with its steadily growing attendance and interest from visitors beyond Sarawak, the Brarak and Bipijak Gawai events could soon find a place in the state's tourism calendar, further enriching the festivities surrounding the annual Gawai Day celebration. 'With the current response, we will improve the programme to include many other things to reflect the diversity of Sarawak's culture to the world,' said the Mambong Assemblyman. Meanwhile, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin, who is also PSBP patron, shared that plans are underway to further elevate Kampung Segu Benuk as a cultural and tourism hub. He revealed that the state government, through the Greater Kuching Development Coordinating Agency (GKCDA), has proposed the development of a cultural centre in the village. 'This plan involves an area of about two hectares and will not only serve to strengthen the role of the Bidayuh community as a cultural and tourism destination, but also enhance the infrastructure needed to host large-scale programmes like this parade in future,' he said. Brarak and Bipajak, which means march and gather in the Bidayuh language, spanned a lively one-kilometre route. Along the way, each contingent proudly showcased their unique identity through intricate traditional attire, rhythmic music, and customary performances, turning the parade into a mesmerising display of colour, sound, and the rich diversity of Bidayuh sub-ethnicities.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Gawai Day: A festival of gratitude, unity and heritage
KUALA LUMPUR: As the sun set over Sarawak yesterday, longhouses across the state came alive with rituals, music, and communal celebrations to mark Gawai Dayak, the Dayak community's annual harvest festival. Celebrated on June 1 and 2, Gawai Dayak is observed by various Dayak ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, and others, to give thanks for a bountiful rice harvest and to usher in a new year of prosperity and unity. The festivities kick off on the evening of May 31 with the Muai Antu Rua ceremony, a ritual to drive away greed and misfortune. During this ceremony, two people walk through the longhouse, collecting unwanted items from each family in a winnowing basket (Chapan). These items are then discarded at the end of the longhouse, symbolically removing negative elements to ensure a joyful celebration ahead. Heart of the celebration: The longhouse The longhouse serves as the epicentre of Gawai Dayak festivities. This traditional communal dwelling hosts a series of rituals, dances, and feasts in its communal area, known as the ruai. Here, families gather to honour their ancestors, share meals, and participate in cultural performances that have been passed down through generations. Rituals and traditions A significant ritual during Gawai Dayak is the Miring ceremony, an offering ritual conducted to honour deities and ancestral spirits, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony in the coming year. The Ngajat dance, performed by the Iban community, is a traditional dance characterised by graceful and rhythmic movements. Dancers wear traditional attire that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people. Traditional attire and symbolism During the festival, men wear traditional warrior outfits, including feathered headgear, armour-like shirts, loincloths, and decorative bangles, symbolising strength and tradition. Women adorn themselves in handwoven skirts, beaded necklaces, silver belts, and high combs, each piece reflecting their cultural identity and beauty. Tribal tattoos, known as kalingai or pantang among the Iban, are more than mere body art; they narrate stories of life, bravery, and identity. Each design holds sacred and symbolic meanings, often representing significant life events or achievements. Culinary delights Gawai Dayak is also a time to indulge in traditional delicacies. Here are some commonly served dishes and drinks: Manuk pansuh – Chicken cooked in bamboo with aromatic herbs; a signature dish among the Iban and Bidayuh communities. Tuak – Traditional rice wine brewed from glutinous rice and homemade yeast; essential for rituals and communal toasts. Penganan – Sweet cakes made from rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk; a staple during the festivities. Distinct from Kaamatan While both Gawai Dayak and Pesta Kaamatan are harvest festivals celebrated in East Malaysia, they are distinct in their cultural practices and timing. Gawai Dayak is observed on June 1 and 2 in Sarawak by the Dayak communities, whereas Kaamatan is celebrated on May 30 and 31 in Sabah and Labuan by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and Lundayeh communities. Each festival features unique rituals and cultural highlights reflective of their respective ethnic groups. A festival of unity and hope Beyond the rituals and feasts, Gawai Dayak embodies the spirit of unity, cultural pride, and hope for the future. The festival's greeting, "Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai", translates to "long life, health, and prosperity," encapsulating the community's aspirations as they come together to celebrate their heritage and look forward to the year ahead.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Sarawakian craftsman races to complete sugu tinggi orders for Gawai
Gawai, Sarawak's annual harvest festival, will be celebrated this Sunday. Considered the biggest celebration in the state, it is observed with much fervour among the Dayaks – the collective name for the tribes of Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Murut. And like many Ibans, Louis Weslly, 38, is also anticipating the festivities this weekend. He is especially looking forward to catching up with his relatives and joining the celebration over traditional food like manuk pansuh, or chicken cooked in bamboo stalk, kasam ensabi, or fermented vegetables, and drinks – especially his favourite, tuak, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, yeast and sugar. With steady hands and a sharp focus, Louis crafts each sugu tinggi into a beautiful piece of tradition. Louis has been busy leading up to this year's Gawai celebration, fulfilling orders for 30 pieces of his handcrafted sugu tinggi – the ornate silver filigree headgear worn as part of the traditional female Iban attire, known as Ngepan Iban. 'Busy gila bah (I've been crazy busy). I've been working for about 12-15 hours daily the past few weeks to complete the orders,' says Louis during a Zoom interview from his home in Batu Kawa, Kuching. 'I even roped in my nine siblings to help me out,' adds Weslly, wiping his forehead. 'My customers want the sugu tinggi for Kumang Gawai (a cultural beauty pageant held in conjunction with Gawai) and their wedding. My orders come from all over Sarawak, including Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.' Louis and his sister Almanda, 19, putting the final touches on a sugu tinggi, ensuring every detail is just right. Sugu tinggi is a tall and elaborate headpiece, handcrafted from metals like aluminium, copper or silver. It comprises a tiered structure with decorative elements shaped like petals and leaves, and a base band that fits snugly around the wearer's head. A wire frame is used to connect and support the structure. Each sugu tinggi is made up of over 200 individual parts and weighs approximately 200g. Louis says crafting one demands precision, patience and great attention to details. 'It takes about a week to complete a single sugu tinggi. You need to have a lot of patience and a keen eye for every tiny element.' Louis masterfully turns aluminium sheets into intricate works of art. Beginning of a journey As a traditional costume entrepreneur, Louis also rents out ceremonial attire of the Dayak community and specialises in creating the sugu tinggi. Ngepan Iban includes a knee-length kain kebat (woven skirt), a beaded necklace called marek empang, a decorative shoulder cloth called selampai, tumpa bentuk (silver bangles), sementing or rawai ringgit (coin belt ornament) and additional ornate silver accessories that adorn the waist, arms and ankles of the wearer. The Ngepan Iban costume Each sub-group of the Iban community has slight variations in their costume design, colours or accessories. Louis crafts different types of sugu tinggi to match these traditional costumes. For example, the dujung manik, worn by the Iban of Batang Rajang, features a rattan skullcap decorated with colourful threads. The sugu tinggi pirak from Iban Saribas is known for its distinct use of silver filigree. Sugu ensuga tisir from Iban Saratok, meanwhile, is adorned with paper or plastic flowers. He's passionate about his Iban heritage, and is determined to keep this tradition alive for as long as he can. 'If I don't continue (making) this heritage item, who will? Not many people my age are interested in this because they are not passionate about it. Some people prefer to buy sugu tinggi from online platforms because they're cheaper,' says Louis. 'But the difference is, those are mass-produced, not handmade. The materials can be flimsy and often, the headgear doesn't hold up well. 'Growing up, I watched older women – in my village in Kuching and at our family longhouse in Kanowit, Sibu – craft sugu tinggi in the days leading up to Gawai,' he says. 'What amazed me the most was how patient these elderly crafters were; sketching the designs freehand and only using simple tools like scissors, pliers and wire. Yet, despite the simplicity of their tools, each sugu tinggi looked beautiful and sparkling. I am grateful that I managed to learn some of the skills from them,' says Louis, who started making sugu tinggi as a teenager. The Ngepan Iban beauty representative styled by Louis secured second place at the 2025 Pekit Kumang pageant in Lubok Antu. Photo: Louis Weslly This passion was reignited when he was away from home, as a furniture salesman in Johor Baru. 'A close friend needed a sugu tinggi for a cultural event in JB,' he recalls. 'I managed to put together a simple piece with the basic knowledge that I had, plus help from YouTube tutorials.' To his surprise, word about his craftsmanship spread quickly. Louis (left), who styled the bridal couple, with his friend, photographer Tayren Gorden during a wedding photoshoot. Photo: Tayren Gorden Soon, Iban women living in and around Johor began reaching out to him with requests – and that marked the beginning of his journey as a sugu tinggi craftsman. 'What started out as a hobby became something much bigger. The orders kept coming in and eventually, I left my full-time job and returned to Kuching to start a home-based business making sugu tinggi. 'Never in a million years did I think I'd go from being a salesman to a sugu tinggi crafter,' he says with a laugh. Passionate pursuit Louis' workstation in his parents' home is nothing short of a treasure trove of Iban culture and creativity. On his workstation, sheets of aluminium foil are scattered across the surface, alongside scissors, pliers and coils of fine metal wire that is used to shape each sugu tinggi. Every element of a sugu tinggi is hand cut and meticulously crafted. On a side table, a few finished headgears sit proudly on retainers, shimmering under the light. Louis begins by sketching the design of each sugu tinggi on an aluminium sheet. He then cuts it using a roller blade and carefully assembles the pieces. It's a task that demands precision – the aluminium is sharp, and if he isn't careful, it can easily cut his fingers. The starting price for one of his handcrafted aluminium sugu tinggi is RM350. The most expensive ones are made from copper, and the price can go up to RM3,000. One of the distinctive features of the Ngepan Batang Rajang is the baju manik (beaded dress) made from colourful glass beads, and dujung manik headgear. 'Sugu tinggi made from aluminium is popular because it is more affordable and its colour lasts longer. Copper, on the other hand, may look shiny and bright at first, but it tends to tarnish over time. You will need to polish it regularly, and that takes a lot of time and effort.' His cabinets are filled with traditional costumes, complete with their trimmings, neatly arranged and ready to be rented out for Gawai. They include couple suits from different communities including Iban Seratok, Iban Batang Air, Orang Ulu and Iban Batang Rajang. Louis sources most of his traditional costume sets and accessories from Lubok Antu in Sarawak and Lanjak in Kalimantan, where his relatives live. Lubok Antu, a border town about four hours' drive from Kuching, lies at the edge of Sarawak and Kalimantan. He describes it as a haven for traditional Iban attire, with items more readily available and affordable than in larger cities like Kuching, Miri or Sibu. 'These sets are easy to find because many Iban people in Kalimantan still wear traditional costumes to cultural functions. Plus, it is also more affordable there. I usually buy a mix of old and new fabrics. The older, handwoven pieces are considered antiques and cost more,' says Louis, who has paid up to RM25,000 for an antique Ngepan Iban costume. 'Never in a million years did I think I'd go from being a salesman to a sugu tinggi crafter,' says Louis. Photo: Tayren Gorden He is passionate about preserving his heritage and is willing to travel far and wide to source vintage items. Perhaps this is one of the reasons he is considered one of the most sought-after sugu tinggi makers and costume rental specialists in the state. He has adorned brides all over Sarawak and as far as Kalimantan, in traditional outfits. In the last five years, he has also conducted close to 30 sugu tinggi courses under the invitation of Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak branch) in Kuala Lumpur, across Sarawak and in Brunei. 'When I teach others, I feel a strong sense of passion to share what I know. To improve my skills, I read books, visit craft shops like the ones in Lubok Antu, to see what items they sell and try to recreate them myself. It's all part of my learning process. 'Most of my students learn to make sugu tinggi for their own use, not for sale. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that little by little, I help pass down a part of Iban heritage to more people,' says Louis, as he continues to complete his remaining headgear orders for Gawai.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Tri-ethnic gathering in Bau celebrates unity through food, culture
Members of the Malay, Chinese and Bidayuh communities pose for a group photo showcasing their respective traditional dishes. KUCHING (May 29): The fragrance of rice dumplings filled the air as hearts came together in harmony during a tri-ethnic fellowship gathering held in Bau on May 26, in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival. Organised by the Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Bau branch in collaboration with the Kampung Melayu village, security and development committee, the event brought together Malay, Chinese, and Bidayuh communities in a celebration of cultural unity. The highlight of the gathering was the sharing of traditional dishes – Chinese 'zongzi' (sticky rice dumplings), Malay 'ketupat', and Bidayuh 'pogang' – each carrying distinct flavours and preparation styles, yet all share a common base: glutinous rice, wrapped and steamed. 'This simple fact mirrors our multicultural society – unique on the outside, but deeply connected at the core,' SUPP Bau said in a press release. 'When we choose to sit together, share our stories, and celebrate our cultures, unity becomes more than a word – it becomes a lived experience.' Organising chairperson Chung Sze Yung described the event as a reminder of how far people can go together, regardless of skin colour or language, when united in mutual respect. 'I hope Bau will continue to become a place where mutual respect, care, and love between communities flourish,' she said in her speech. SUPP Bau chairman Chong Yie Loong highlighted that while cultures may differ, they are linked by a shared spirit, symbolised by the common use of glutinous rice in traditional foods. 'Our cultures are like three different delicacies – Chinese chicken dumplings, Malay ketupat, and Bidayuh pogang. Yet here we are, enjoying them at the same table. 'Cultural exchange is the beginning of unity,' he added. In addition to cultural showcases and festive sharing, SUPP Bau has also fulfilled its community service mission by donating four solar-powered lights to the Kampung Melayu multipurpose hall and distributing six aid packages to Bidayuh families ahead of the Gawai celebration. Bau Dragon Boat Festival lead SUPP tri-ethnic fellowship gathering
