Latest news with #GawaiDayakfestival
Borneo Post
5 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
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak Govt Aims For Rural-urban Equitable Growth
KUCHING, May 31 (Bernama) -- The increase in rural development allocation for this year's Sarawak budget is a reflection of the state government's unwavering resolve to narrow the rural-urban gap and ensure equitable growth. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said RM6.8 billion had been allocated under the Sarawak 2025 Budget for rural development, which rose from RM5.695 billion in 2024, indicating the State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's clear commitment to uplift the wellbeing of the rural communities. In his message for the Gawai Dayak festival, which begins tomorrow (June 1), Uggah said the rural development focus has seen major bridge projects being implemented as growth catalysts.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching's iconic white cat statue dons Orang Ulu attire for Gawai Dayak
The iconic white cat statue dressed and ready for the Gawai Dayak celebration this year adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 29): Kuching's iconic White Cat statue is now officially dressed for this year's Gawai Dayak celebration, adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. Adding a festive touch to the city centre, the statue is outfitted in vibrant garments featuring Sarawak's state colours – yellow, red, and black – alongside cultural motifs that pay tribute to the state's rich indigenous heritage. 'This year, I think you can see that the cat is dressed in an Orang Ulu design, and the colours used are our state colours – yellow, red, and black,' said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng when met by reporters during the lighting up of the cat statue at the Padungan roundabout this evening. He emphasised that the annual Gawai Dayak festival is more than just a harvest celebration – it is a time to reflect on gratitude and unity among Sarawak's diverse communities. He also highlighted the depth and influence of Dayak culture, especially in the evolution of Sarawak's creative identity over the years. 'In actual fact, our Dayak friends have a very rich cultural heritage. That's why we initially came up with all these designs to be printed on clothing, accessories, and so on. That was almost 20 years ago. 'So you have now what we call Sarawak batik. The Sarawak batik, those motifs in actual fact come from our Dayak tribes. 'They have all their weavings, pua kumbu, some of them come from the beads,' said Wee. Dr Sim (fifth left), Wee (sixth left) and others pose in front of the white cat statue. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Highlighting the significance of Dayak culture in shaping Sarawak's identity, Wee spoke about its long-standing influence on the state's creative expressions. 'So with Sarawak sort of rich with them with such a rich culture and with rich tradition and all that we continue to celebrate. 'It's important to showcase that this land is not only full of excitement because of its diverse people and ethnic groups, but also because of its rich cultural heritage. 'So let's appreciate all of this whether it's past, present or for the future,' he said. Also present during the lighting up ceremony was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and several MBKS councillors. cat statue Gawai Kuching MBKS Orang Ulu
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Uggah: Don't reduce meaningful Gawai Dayak celebration to excessive drinking sessions
Uggah strikes the gong seven times to launch the event. BINTULU (May 12): The Dayak community has been called on to avoid wasteful spending and excessive alcohol consumption during the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival. In making the call, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the festival should instead be celebrated in a moderate and meaningful manner. He pointed out that Gawai is traditionally a time for family and friends to come together in thanksgiving and to share joy. He cautioned that the celebration should not be reduced to drinking sessions that might harm one's health and wellbeing. 'It is not just about excessive drinking. What's more important is strengthening bonds among family members and relatives, especially those who have not seen each other for a long time,' he said when officiating at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus' Ngabang Gawai Bersama Timbalan Premier here last night. Uggah emphasised that the true meaning of Gawai Dayak goes beyond festivities and merrymaking. 'It is also an occasion to preserve and showcase cultural heritage and strengthen familial ties within the longhouse community,' he said. He highlighted the importance of traditional elements such as ngajat, traditional music, and poetic art forms such as beramban and bepantun, which are unique to the Iban and wider Dayak community. 'During Gawai, the Dayak community has a valuable opportunity to revive traditional arts and performances that are rarely seen today,' he added. Uggah also stressed that Gawai can serve as an effective platform to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the rich and colourful cultural traditions of the Dayak community.
