Latest news with #Iban
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Iban longhouse keeps decades-old Gawai ritual alive to honour ancestors
The festive cheer at Rumah Punggah here began to bloom days ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1, not just with the return of family members from afar, but with the revival of a beloved tradition that has graced this longhouse for nearly 60 years. – Bernama photo SARATOK (June 2): The festive cheer at Rumah Punggah here began to bloom days ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1, not just with the return of family members from afar, but with the revival of a beloved tradition that has graced this longhouse for nearly 60 years. At the 48-door longhouse in Temudok Krian on the eve of the celebration yesterday, residents were already up and about early in the morning, abuzz with energy as they put the final touches on preparations for 'Ngasi Makan Tiang Pengingat', a time-honoured ritual set to take place later in the day. According to the head of the longhouse, Tuai Rumah Punggah Gama, 70, the ceremony is more than just an annual ritual, it's a heartfelt tribute to their ancestors and a powerful symbol of unity for the community. 'It's not just a wooden post standing there. The 'Tiang Pengingat' holds the spirit of our memories, our values, and our strength as a people. When we perform 'ngasi makan', it shows that we remember and honour where we come from,' he told Bernama. The four-sided belian wood pillar, standing around 3.5 metres tall in front of the longhouse, was first erected on June 1, 1966, the date of the community's very first Gawai Dayak celebration. Since then, it has stood as a proud marker of heritage through the generations. As dusk nears, the ceremony began with 'miring', a traditional Iban invocation of blessings, followed by the symbolic sacrifice of a rooster, its blood gently smeared onto the Tiang Pengingat, which bears inscriptions marking that historic first Gawai and is adorned with intricate traditional decorations Offerings of glutinous rice and dishes wrapped in banana leaves, lovingly prepared by the longhouse folk since morning, were placed at the foot of the pillar, accompanied by tuak, the traditional Iban rice wine. As dusk nears, the ceremony began with 'miring', a traditional Iban invocation of blessings, followed by the symbolic sacrifice of a rooster, its blood gently smeared onto the Tiang Pengingat, which bears inscriptions marking that historic first Gawai and is adorned with intricate traditional decorations. – Bernama photo Traditional 'pantun' echoed through the longhouse as they were recited alongside the steady rhythm of gongs played by the residents. The ritual usually continues until sunset, wrapping the day in a soulful, celebratory air. Though nearly six decades have passed since the first families settled in this longhouse, the enthusiasm of the residents, especially the younger generation, to take part in the ritual speaks volumes of their dedication to preserving their cultural roots. 'We want our young ones to know their origins. When they're involved in these rituals from a young age, they grow up proud of being Iban,' Punggah added, with a smile full of hope. – Bernama Gawai Dayak lead longhouse Rumah Punggah tradition
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.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Orang Ulu community hosts state-level Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, drawing thousands
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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Iban longhouse keeps decades-old Gawai ritual alive to honour ancestors
SARATOK: The festive cheer at Rumah Punggah here began to bloom days ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1, not just with the return of family members from afar, but with the revival of a beloved tradition that has graced this longhouse for nearly 60 years. At the 48-door longhouse in Temudok Krian on the eve of the celebration yesterday, residents were already up and about early in the morning, abuzz with energy as they put the final touches on preparations for 'Ngasi Makan Tiang Pengingat', a time-honoured ritual set to take place later in the day. According to the head of the longhouse, Tuai Rumah Punggah Gama, 70, the ceremony is more than just an annual ritual, it's a heartfelt tribute to their ancestors and a powerful symbol of unity for the community. "It's not just a wooden post standing there. The 'Tiang Pengingat' holds the spirit of our memories, our values, and our strength as a people. When we perform 'ngasi makan', it shows that we remember and honour where we come from," he told Bernama. The four-sided belian wood pillar, standing around 3.5 metres tall in front of the longhouse, was first erected on June 1, 1966, the date of the community's very first Gawai Dayak celebration. Since then, it has stood as a proud marker of heritage through the generations. As dusk nears, the ceremony began with 'miring', a traditional Iban invocation of blessings, followed by the symbolic sacrifice of a rooster, its blood gently smeared onto the Tiang Pengingat, which bears inscriptions marking that historic first Gawai and is adorned with intricate traditional decorations Offerings of glutinous rice and dishes wrapped in banana leaves, lovingly prepared by the longhouse folk since morning, were placed at the foot of the pillar, accompanied by tuak, the traditional Iban rice wine. Traditional 'pantun' echoed through the longhouse as they were recited alongside the steady rhythm of gongs played by the residents. The ritual usually continues until sunset, wrapping the day in a soulful, celebratory air. Though nearly six decades have passed since the first families settled in this longhouse, the enthusiasm of the residents, especially the younger generation, to take part in the ritual speaks volumes of their dedication to preserving their cultural roots. "We want our young ones to know their origins. When they're involved in these rituals from a young age, they grow up proud of being Iban," Punggah added, with a smile full of hope.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
PETRONAS presents ‘Marked' this Gawai as a tribute to inner strength and cultural pride
KUCHING: In celebrating this year's Gawai festivities, PETRONAS proudly presents 'Marked' or 'Tanda Kasih', a touching story that explores the power of personal resilience, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of cultural pride. In a statement, PETRONAS said the film, which premiered today across their official YouTube and Facebook channels, follows Melia, a young Iban girl, as she undergoes an emotional journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of growing up with a prominent birthmark on her forehead. As Gawai approaches, Melia is asked to wear the sugu tinggi, a traditional Iban woman's headdress that symbolises dignity and cultural heritage. However, doubt lingers in her heart as she wonders if she is truly worthy of bearing such a significant piece of tradition. 'Her silent struggles go largely unnoticed by her family, except for her grandmother, whose loving presence and gentle encouragement become a source of strength and guidance. 'More than a story of self-acceptance, 'Marked' celebrates the ties that unite us, family, and community, and reminds us that strength grows through connection and shared heritage,' the statement read. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Norafizal Mat Saad said 'Marked' is a tribute to the strength within communities in Malaysia and the richness of the Iban tradition. 'At PETRONAS, we believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our people and cultures. It also reflects the values of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that when we stand together and support one another, we create space for everyone to belong and thrive,' he was quoted as saying. Norafizal hoped that the story would encourage Malaysians to embrace their identity with pride and support each other in the journey of self-discovery. In the spirit of the harvest season, PETRONAS also presents 'Crown of Love' or 'Mahkota Teristimewa', a Kaamatan story that celebrates community strength and the meaning of love. 'Though from different cultures, both films share a message of embracing diversity and being true to ourselves, reflecting a Malaysia where differences connect, not divide,' the statement added.
