14-05-2025
Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 returns with 180 stalls, cultural festivities
Gerawat (seated, centre) in a photo-call with members of the Gawai Bazaar organising committee after the meeting. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 14): The Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025, set to take place for 11 days tomorrow (May 15) till May 25, will feature 180 stalls and a range of cultural activities at the MJC Batu Kawah New Township, said Datuk Gerawat Gala.
Gerawat, who chairs the main committee for the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, said the stalls would include those selling to handicrafts, as well as food, beverages, and dry goods operated by the local community.
He also announced that the opening ceremony will be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with the date to be finalized soon.
'This bazaar not only adds vibrancy to the Gawai Dayak celebration but also serves as a platform to promote local crafts, foster unity, and showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Dayak community,' he was quotes as saying by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) after chairing the Gawai Bazaar organising committee meeting, here yesterday.
He added that a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes are also scheduled throughout the bazaar, including the Gawai Idol competition, Ratu Gawai pageant, and the Battle of the Band event.
'These activities are expected to attract participation from youth and members of the public from all walks of life,' he said.
'This bazaar is open to all races. We welcome everyone to join in the festivities while supporting local entrepreneurs,' added Gerawat, who is also Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring).
He expressed hope that broader community participation would further highlight the uniqueness of the Gawai celebration as a pillar of unity and cultural heritage in Sarawak.
This year, the Orang Ulu community has been given the honour of hosting the celebration, providing an opportunity to showcase their rich customs and traditions to Sarawakians and visitors alike.
Gerawat also revealed that the 2025 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak celebration will include several main events, such as the Gawai Tradition Carnival on June 12 and 13 at the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) building in Miri.
A Gawai Dayak Parade will be held on June 21 at the Kuching Waterfront which will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The highlight of the celebrations, the Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner, will be held on June 22 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and is expected to be graced by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
A coffee table book themed around Dayak culture and heritage will also be launched in conjunction with the celebration. community cultural food festival Gawai Dayak Bazaar gerawat gala lead
