Latest news with #GawaiDayak2025
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Youth trio strive to keep the Orang Ulu's sape legacy alive
KUCHING: At the entrance of the Gawai Dayak 2025 open house, the delicate, resonant notes of the sape, a traditional lute-like string instrument of the Orang Ulu people, floated through the air. Yet it wasn't veteran hands behind the strings. It was three young musicians, determined to carry their ancestral culture into the future. Dressed in attire inspired by their Indigenous roots, the trio, members of the Kuching-based Anak Seni Sape Kuching Association (PUSAK), drew a steady crowd with their spirited performance of Det Diet Tapong Kitan, a traditional piece often played to welcome guests and accompany warrior dances such as Datun Julud or Ajai. 'I started learning the sape at 15 after being inspired by my cousin,' said Dexter Wong Kian Hao, 22, of Kayan-Chinese heritage. 'This song is deeply rooted in our culture. We don't want it to fade away.' For Martinus Njok Sebi, 23, of Kenyah-Iban descent, the sape is more than just music, it's identity. Having joined PUSAK in 2021, Martinus has performed regularly at cultural events across Sarawak. Now in his final year at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, he hopes others his age will continue the tradition. 'As a sape player, I want to see more young people learning and passing on this tradition,' he said. The group's youngest member, 19-year-old Mohd Ikhmal Hakim from Belaga, began playing at age 10, having discovered it through social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Of mixed Malay, Iban and Sekapan heritage, Ikhmal now studies Early Childhood Education and shares his sape playing on TikTok to help spark wider interest. 'Social media has made it easier for people to discover the sape. I see more and more young people getting interested,' he said. The Gawai Dayak Open House, hosted by Orang Ulu leaders, drew around 3,000 visitors from across Sarawak's diverse communities. The event, which ran from 9 am to 2 pm, featured traditional performances and high-profile guests, including Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also in attendance were the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, alongside members of the federal and state cabinets.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak 2025 celebrated with tradition, togetherness at Rumah Kechendai
The longhouse residents gathered for the celebration in a joyful atmosphere. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo SELANGAU (June 1): The Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration was joyfully held at Rumah Kechendai, Kepayang Jaya, Sungai Arip, bringing together around 250 residents from 27 families in a vibrant showcase of culture and unity. Tuai Rumah Kechendai Kalob, who also serves as chairman of the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) Kepayang Jaya, said the Gawai Dayak festival is more than just a celebration—it is a vital tradition that strengthens the bonds among longhouse residents. 'This is the time when those working in urban areas return home to celebrate with their families. Gawai is a moment for reunion, especially for those living far away in Peninsular Malaysia. It strengthens bonds within the community,' he said. Tr Kechendai also highlighted the importance of preserving customs and traditions, stating that Gawai is a platform to uphold the cultural identity of the Dayak people. He said traditional rituals such as berancau tikai, mupu antu rua, miring, bedara, ngalu petara, and Ngirup Ai Pengayu were carried out during the celebration. Cultural expressions like bertaboh (traditional drumming) and ngajat (traditional dance) were also featured prominently. The community also conducted a Sembayang Berkat Bilik ceremony to express gratitude to God for past blessings and to seek protection and prosperity for the coming year. Tr Kechendai expressed his appreciation for the development brought by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, especially improvements in basic infrastructure such as paved roads and 24-hour electricity supply. 'Five years ago, returning home for Gawai meant a three-hour journey by river. Today, we have a tarred road reaching our village and reliable electricity,' he shared. Meanwhile, Missy Anak Sandin, head of the Women's Bureau of JKKK Kepayang Jaya, expressed pride in maintaining the tradition of makan serumpu, or communal dining on the longhouse veranda (ruai). A wide variety of traditional dishes were served, including pansuh (bamboo-cooked meat), pekasam (fermented fish), and jungle vegetables such as upa pantu and bamboo shoots. Exotic meats such as venison, civet, and fresh river prawns also featured on the menu. Traditional desserts like penganan cuan, penganan tatok, and ketupat added to the festive spirit. 'The tradition of makan serumpu must be preserved by continuing to prepare and serve traditional foods,' she said. The celebration also included various activities and competitions, including a lucky draw and a special appreciation ceremony for six senior citizens in the community, recognising their contributions and honoring their presence during the celebration. celebration community Gawai Dayak lead Rumah Kechendai
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tiong: Gawai Dayak a celebration of heritage, unity and inclusive progress
Tiong also paid special tribute to the elders, artisans, cultural bearers, and spiritual leaders who continue to guide their communities with wisdom and devotion. – Photo by Chimon Upon SIBU (May 31): The government remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the Dayak community through inclusive and sustainable development, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. In the Gawai Dayak 2025 message, Tiong highlighted that initiatives such as homestay programmes and cultural tourism are not only designed to showcase Dayak heritage, but also to generate employment, stimulate local economies, and embed cultural values into daily life. 'We are also intensifying collaborations with local communities, providing skills training, empowering youth entrepreneurship, and supporting the revitalisation of traditional crafts within contemporary frameworks. 'With targeted and systemic support, we aim to nurture a generation that is culturally rooted yet globally confident,' he said. Tiong also paid special tribute to the elders, artisans, cultural bearers, and spiritual leaders who continue to guide their communities with wisdom and devotion. 'Because of your unwavering dedication, Gawai remains not only a celebration, but a living expression of identity and belonging.' The Bintulu MP stressed that Gawai Dayak is far more than a harvest festival, it is a profound celebration of culture, identity, and togetherness. 'It honours not only the beauty of the land, but the enduring spirit of the Dayak people – their unity, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to their heritage.' As the nation continues to modernise, Tiong urged Malaysians not to leave cultural traditions behind. 'Instead, they should be a compass that guides our development, anchoring our progress in identity, values, and community,' he added. He emphasized that culture is not merely a relic of the past, but the soul of the present and the seed of the future. 'Our duty is not only to preserve it, but to breathe new life into it, making it relevant, meaningful, and empowering for all.' 'Let us be reminded that true progress lies in the well-being of our people, the harmony of our communities, and the continuity of our cultural soul. 'In that spirit, I reaffirm our collective commitment to people-first policies that leave no one behind, ensuring that every community, including the Dayak, shares in the nation's journey forward.' He further said that Gawai is a time for reunion and renewal. 'As we mark this festive season, may we come together in unity and hope for a thriving Dayak community, a vibrant and inclusive Sarawak, and a peaceful, prosperous Malaysia for all. 'Once again, I wish you all a blessed and joyful Gawai. May we walk forward together, hand in hand, towards a brighter, shared tomorrow.' community development Gawai Dayak Tiong King Sing
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Miri's ‘Niti Daun' parade ushers in Gawai spirit with indigenous pride on full display
Penguang (second right) leads the 'Niti Daun' parade, marking his role as Tuai Gawai in this year's vibrant Gawai Dayak celebrations. MIRI (May 10): A vibrant celebration of Sarawak's cultural diversity unfolded in Miri as 20 contingents representing various indigenous communities took part in the colourful 'Niti Daun' parade, marking the start of Gawai Dayak 2025 festivities. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, who is also Marudi assemblyman, led the celebration as the Tuai Gawai (head of Gawai). The event began with the traditional miring ritual at the field near Kolej Komuniti Miri, offering blessings for a bountiful harvest and communal well-being. Penguang's participation reflected his continued commitment to preserving and promoting Dayak heritage and his leadership among Sarawak's indigenous communities. Penguang (second left) being served 'tuak' or rice wine during the miring ritual. The 1.5-kilometre parade showcased vibrant cultural performances and traditional attire from various Dayak associations, including the organised Miri Dayak Association (DAM), Persatuan Wanita Orang Ulu Miri (PWOUM), Persatuan Kayan Sarawak, and Sarawak Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), among others. Participants proudly displayed the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak's ethnic groups, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Kayan, and Lun Bawang, through traditional dance, music, and symbolic motifs. Permyjaya played host to this year's event, complementing the ongoing Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, a month-long celebration of Dayak culture, food, and crafts. Members of Persatuan Masyarakat Saban Sarawak bring tradition to life during the parade, with a 'sape' performance showcasing their rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions this year is the Kumang Keligit Dayung Sangon and Keling Belawan pageants, which celebrate not just beauty but also intellect and cultural knowledge. Preliminary rounds will be held at Permy Mall on May 17, with the grand finals set for May 24 at Meritz Hotel, offering RM5,000 in prize money. With an enthusiastic turnout at the 'Niti Daun' parade, excitement is building for the rest of the Gawai Dayak celebrations. Gawai lead miri Niti Daun Penguang Manggil Permyjaya
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Deputy Premier: Preparations all set for state Gawai Dayak 2025 do, despite tight deadline
Uggah, flanked by Gerawat (seated, third left) and Sikie, highlights some points during the press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (April 28): The organising committee of the state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the success of this year's event, despite the limited preparation time. 'Time is very short – we have just finished Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and soon it will be Gawai,' said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at a press conference, called after chairing the state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration coordination meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today. Uggah said similar to last year's celebration, there were several key dates and events set to take place. 'This year, the Gawai Dayak Bazaar will be held from May 15 to 25, 2025 at the MJC Batu Kawa (Township),' said the Deputy Premier, while also revealing that the 'Gawai Tradisi Carnival' would be taking place at the Federation of Orang Ulu Malaysia (Forum) building in Miri from June 13 to 14. Meanwhile, the Gawai Dayak Parade is scheduled this June 21, at the Kuching Waterfront, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attending as the guest-of-honour. The highlight of the celebration, the Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner, would be staged on June 22, to be hosting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Uggah added: 'A coffee table book themed around Dayak culture and heritage will also be launched in connection with the celebrations. 'The state-level Gawai Dayak 2025 celebrations are aimed at strengthening unity among the various communities and showcasing Sarawak's rich cultural heritage.' Also present at yesterday's meeting were Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, also the organising committee chairman for this year's event, along with Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai. douglas uggah embas festive celebrations Gawai Dayak 2025
