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Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Story of Huminodun and meaning of Kaamatan
State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025, Tati Atitih Yatih Robert, representing the district of Tamparuli, with her fellow top seven finishers. As May came to a close with the newest Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 crowned, the echoes of gongs faded into the cool Sabahan evening. The final cheers of the crowd rang out at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (KDCA) in Penampang, where the climax of Kaamatan 2025 had just unfolded. Laughter and music gave way to quiet reflection as families returned home, their hearts full from a month-long celebration that brought villages and cities to life. Once again, Sabah had come together, united in thanksgiving, in joy, and in memory. And as the dust settled from traditional dances, spirited singing and cultural showcases, what lingered was the spirit of a story, a story that has defined Kaamatan for generations. At the heart of this grand harvest celebration lies an ancient and sacred tale, the story of Huminodun. It is a story passed down through generations of Kadazandusun elders, whispered over firelight, retold at community gatherings and honoured in sacred rites. Long ago, the world was a very different place. The land was young, and the people lived under the benevolent care of Kinoingan and his wife, Suminundu, divine beings who watched over humanity with love. They nurtured the earth and taught the people to live in harmony with nature. But harmony was shattered when a great famine descended. Crops failed, rivers ran dry, and the soil could no longer bear fruit. The people suffered, crying out in anguish as starvation threatened to wipe them out. Kinoingan, heartbroken by the suffering of his creation, searched for a solution. It was then that he realised only a great sacrifice could save the world. And that sacrifice would have to come from someone divine, someone pure of heart. His only daughter, Huminodun, a radiant young woman known for her grace, wisdom and compassion, stepped forward. Seeing the pain of her people, she offered herself willingly, knowing that her death would restore life to the earth. Kinoingan wept, but he honoured her bravery. Huminodun's body was laid to rest in the ground, and from it sprang rice, the sacred grain that became the lifeblood of the Kadazandusun people. Her flesh became nourishment and her spirit, 'Bambazon,' now dwells in every grain of rice. This divine sacrifice is the spiritual foundation of Kaamatan. It is not just a harvest festival; it is a remembrance, a thanksgiving and a renewal. Every time rice is planted or harvested, every time it is eaten, the people remember Huminodun. Her story is a testament to the belief that from selflessness springs abundance, and that life is a gift not to be taken for granted. Although rooted in ancient beliefs, Kaamatan today has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive celebration that brings together Sabahans from all walks of life. Traditionally observed by the Kadazandusun community, it is now embraced by nearly every ethnic group in the state: the Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Tatana, Tidong, Bisaya, Bajau, Chinese and others, each contributing their own colours, music, food, and language to the month-long celebration. It is a cultural mosaic bound together by shared gratitude and mutual respect. At the spiritual heart of Kaamatan is the Magavau, a sacred ritual led by the 'Bobohizan,' the high priestess of the Kadazandusun. She calls forth the spirit of Bambazon in an ancient ceremony filled with chants and offerings, ensuring that the rice spirit remains content and that the cycle of fertility continues. Although fewer communities today practise the Magavau, its symbolism remains strong, reminding all of the sacred relationship between humanity and the earth. Complementing these sacred elements are the rich cultural expressions that make Kaamatan such a joyful celebration. The Sumazau, Sabah's most iconic traditional dance, sees dancers move with slow, birdlike grace to the rhythm of gongs. Traditional attires, elaborately beaded and finely embroidered, fill community halls with a kaleidoscope of colours. Villages host friendly competitions in traditional sports, while food stalls offer everything from hinava to linopot, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the land. Among the most eagerly anticipated highlights of Kaamatan is the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan pageant, a unique cultural event held in honour of Huminodun herself. District winners from across Sabah and other parts of Malaysia gather to compete, not merely in beauty, but in cultural knowledge, poise, and the embodiment of Huminodun's virtues. The Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, crowned at the peak of Kaamatan, is not just a beauty queen; she is a cultural ambassador, a living symbol of grace, sacrifice and continuity. In recent years, another event has added new dimension to the festivities: the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan, formerly known as Mister Kaamatan. This male cultural pageant, which has been rebranded to Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan from next year onwards, celebrates young Sabahan men who exemplify strength, cultural awareness and community leadership. Contestants compete not only in physique but in their understanding of heritage, language and values. The emergence of Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan alongside Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan reflects the modern celebration's balance, honouring both masculine and feminine contributions to community and traditions. No less exciting is the Sugandoi Kaamatan, a singing competition that draws vocal talents from across Sabah. Held at district and state levels, the Sugandoi Kaamatan gives voice to the rich musical traditions of the people. Contestants sing in native languages and often perform songs that carry the rhythms and stories of their ancestors. For many, winning Sugandoi Kaamatan is not just a personal triumph; it is a chance to preserve their culture through the power of song. In a festival so deeply rooted in oral tradition, Sugandoi Kaamatan keeps storytelling alive in one of its most beautiful forms. Kaamatan has also grown to become an expression of unity. In a state defined by its ethnic and religious diversity, Kaamatan is a space where all are welcome. It is common to see Muslims and Christians, rural villagers and urban professionals, young and old coming together to celebrate. Cultural exhibitions, community open houses and public performances create opportunities for mutual understanding, bridging generations and backgrounds. It is, in many ways, a blueprint for harmony, showing that cultural pride and inclusiveness can coexist. Beyond the dancing, singing and pageantry, Kaamatan is a powerful reaffirmation of identity. As globalisation and modernity threaten to erode traditional practices, this festival serves as a living classroom where the youth learn the meaning of their customs. It is an opportunity for older generations to pass down stories, rituals and skills, not just to preserve them, but to breathe new life into them. In this sense, Kaamatan is not only a celebration of the harvest, but a harvest of culture itself. It is also a time of economic vitality. As Sabahans travel to their hometowns or flock to celebration grounds, rural and local economies benefit. Artisans sell traditional crafts, farmers showcase their produce and young entrepreneurs use the festive spirit to market everything from food to fashion. Tourists, both local and foreign, are drawn to the rich tapestry of sights, sounds and flavours, making Kaamatan one of the most significant cultural attractions in the region. Yet, when the last gong sounds and the lights dim, what remains is the story of Huminodun, a reminder that from sacrifice comes sustenance, and from gratitude comes unity. Her spirit, said to dwell in every grain of rice, continues to nourish the people, not just physically, but spiritually. In honouring her, Sabahans reaffirm their connection to the land, to each other, and to the timeless values of compassion, selflessness and resilience. I brought my young Chinese friend Ben to KDCA to experience Kaamatan firsthand. Although he is a Sabahan, he had only heard of the festival in passing and was unfamiliar with its deeper cultural significance. Our visit opened his eyes to the richness of this celebration. He thoroughly enjoyed the day, starting with the Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan contest, where he was captivated by the vibrant performances. He sampled lihing, explored the traditional houses that showcased the diverse heritage of Sabah's indigenous communities, and even bought a beautiful bead necklace and a traditional headband as keepsakes. It was a meaningful and immersive introduction to the spirit of Kaamatan. With Kaamatan 2025 over, the people of Sabah carry forward not only the joy of celebration but the weight of legacy. From ancient story to modern festivity, the journey of Kaamatan is one of cultural endurance and spiritual truth. It is a celebration not only of what is harvested from the land but what is cherished in the heart. Footnote Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultants. His Kaamatan activities included conducting public speaking talks to Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan contestants, judging the contest at district levels and helping to set the questions for the Q & A segment of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post
The Star
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Foreign visitors capture the heart of Kaamatan through their lens
ARMED with their cameras, Polish couple Darek Kalinski and Agnieszka Witusik spent Saturday (May 31) immersed in the colours, sounds and spirit of Sabah's Kaamatan grand finale. Their lenses captured not just images, but a cultural experience they described as unforgettable. Snapping away under the blazing sun at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, the couple were visibly awed by the vibrant procession of locals dressed in traditional attire, lining the pathway to welcome dignitaries and guests. 'This is not just a festival. It was alive. We want to photograph everything, the details in the costumes, the music, the smiles,' said Kalinski, 64, who, along with Witusik, 53, was on his first visit to Sabah. The couple, currently on a three-week Borneo adventure, said discovering the Kaamatan Festival was a fortunate, spontaneous twist in their plans. While planning their journey, they had come across mentions of the celebration but struggled to find clear information online. 'We were not even sure we would be able to catch it. The lack of official details made planning difficult, so we started our trip in Sarawak, thinking we might miss it altogether,' Kalinski explained. But a lucky online post revealing the dates of the two-day festival finale on May 30 and 31 prompted a spontaneous detour to Sabah. What was meant to be a brief stopover turned into a three-day stay, as they became fully immersed not just in the atmosphere but also in the energy of the crowd, the rhythm of traditional dances and the warmth of the people. 'The colours, the dancing, the people … it all came together in such a natural, heartfelt way. You cannot help but be drawn into it,' said Witusik, scrolling through photos they had taken. After experiencing the highlights of Kaamatan, the couple plan to return to Sarawak to visit the Mulu Caves before heading to Brunei, and will eventually return to Sabah for the final leg of their trip in Sandakan. But both agreed that Kaamatan had already left the deepest impression. 'We really hope more information will be made available online in future. This is something truly special, a real cultural treasure. We have taken so many photos to share with our friends back home,' said Kalinski. Also attending the celebration was Swiss retiree Marco Brudermann, 66, who described Kaamatan as 'refreshingly uncommercial and deeply sincere.' He was accompanied by his long-time friend Liliane Blume, 64, also from Switzerland, who has lived in Sabah for the past 18 years. Fresh from a journey through Manila and Zamboanga in the Philippines, Brudermann, a sociocultural anthropologist, noted that while there are similar traditional festivals back home, Sabah's connection to folklore and ancestral identity feels equally strong. 'You can feel the sincerity. The people are not just putting on a show … they are celebrating something deeply meaningful. It touches the soul,' he said. Having travelled extensively for work, Brudermann said being in Sabah during Kaamatan was a uniquely enriching experience. 'Sabahans are becoming increasingly committed to preserving their traditions, and it is beautiful to witness,' he added. Blume, a former German teacher at the Borneo Tourism Institute, agreed. 'This is not just a performance. Kaamatan is a living, breathing tradition. People are genuinely proud of their heritage, and you can feel that everywhere,' she said.
The Star
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan shines with music, colour and unity
Celebrating the harvest: Women in Dusun Lobu Sook traditional attire holding gongs as they get ready to perform during Kaamatan. PENAMPANG: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall exploded in colour, rhythm and community spirit as thousands of Sabahans – joined by curious tourists – packed the grounds to mark the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival. While the month-long festival is celebrated across the state, it is now that everything comes alive in full force; from the beat of traditional gongs and lively sumazau dance performances to the scent of grilled meat and displays of intricate handwoven beadwork. Beyond the much-anticipated Unduk Ngadau pageant, festival-goers are treated to a vibrant mix of attractions, traditional sports like mipulos (arm wrestling), cultural showcases and stalls offering Sabahan favourites and handicrafts. Among the crowd was Ho Ken Nyen, who flew in from Sandakan, over 300km away with three friends just to experience the celebration for the first time. 'I've always heard people talk about Kaamatan, but never had the chance to see it in person,' he said. 'As a Chinese Sabahan, I don't celebrate it, but I've always felt proud of this tradition. When I was studying in Peninsular Malaysia, I used to show my friends pictures of Kaamatan and I'd say, this is Sabah.' Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for a new young maiden to take centre stage and be crowned Unduk Ngadau, and step into the role of cultural ambassador. A dancer in traditional costume performing during the Kaamatan event. The grand finale of the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will be held today at KDCA's iconic Hongkod Koisaan hall, the heart of Sabah's native heritage where traditions, history and customs of the indigenous communities are preserved, honoured and proudly celebrated. Each year, people from all over the state converge here to cheer on their district representatives in this highly anticipated event. 'I am here to find out the next Unduk Ngadau. To me, it does not matter which district she's representing, because I feel that they are all beautiful. 'We are here to celebrate the tradition and culture, that is all that matters,' said Diana Paul from Kota Marudu. For reigning queen Hyellene Danius, this marks the close of a meaningful year-long journey as the face of Sabah's cultural pride. The youngest of nine siblings, Danius, who represented Inanam district, is a Bahasa Malaysia teacher at SJK(C) Tsi Sin in Tenom. Last year, she captured the judges' hearts not only with her beauty and elegance but also with her poise and fluency in answering two questions in the Dusun language during the question-and-answer session. From heritage forums and gala nights to traditional crafts, cooking and visits to the Sabah Museum and Kampung Budaya Koisaan, each Uduk Ngadau contestant has immersed herself in the spirit of Huminodun, the legendary figure the pageant honours.
Barnama
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Teacher Atitih Yatih Robert Crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025
PENAMPANG, May 31 (Bernama) -- Atitih Yatih Robert, a prospective Malay Language teacher, who was representing the Tamparuli sub-district, was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 during the culmination of the Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here tonight. Atitih Yatih, 26, a Bachelor of Education (Malay Language) graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last December and currently awaiting a teaching placement, beat 51 contestants in the traditional beauty pageant of Sabah's paddy harvest season held annually since 1960. Earlier, Atitih Yatih, who participated in the competition for the second time this year after her first attempt in 2017, was selected from the round of 15 best participants before advancing to today's last stage of the top seven finalists, who were judged on public speaking, general knowledge, heritage and cultural understanding in their mother tongue (native language). Unduk Ngadau is a traditional beauty pageant that showcases the diverse ethnic cultures and heritage of Sabah held in memory of the legendary 'Huminodun' who sacrificed herself for the bountiful harvest and well-being of her people in the religious observance (transcending folklore and legend) of the Kadazan-Dusun people. Meanwhile, when interviewed by reporters, Atitih Yatih said she initially only targeted the top seven in the competition and was breathless to emerge as the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025. "It is difficult for me to describe this victory because I have not yet processed this in my mind, I am still very shocked. I would like to thank all those who supported me, my family and friends who were willing to come from afar to support me. "My plans after this depends on where I will be placed, I am waiting for my teaching placement … as a Malay Language teacher later," said Atitih Yatih, who hoped that this success would inspire the younger generation to preserve Sabah's culture and heritage. She received a trophy, RM15,000 in cash and various prizes presented by the wife of the Yang di-Pertua (Governor) of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin in the spectacle and witnessed by the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and the Joint Chairmen of the Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, Datuk Joanna Datuk Kitingan and Dr Mary Gambidau. Atitih Yatih was then crowned as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2025 by Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2024 Hyellene Danius who is also a Malay Language teacher.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Tamparuli lass Atitih is this year's Unduk Ngadau
PENAMPANG: Atitih Yatih Robert was crowned Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan for this year at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall, Penampang, here. The 26-year-old, who represented the Tamparuli district, brought home RM17,500 in cash, a crown, a trophy, scholarships and sponsored items. Clad in the traditional Dusun Tenghilan attire, Pinialap, she wowed the judges during the question and answer session when she responded fluently in the Dusun language to two questions. Present to crown the new Unduk Ngadau was the wife of Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. First runner-up went to Elka Alika Pijeh, representing Tambunan, while Celarin Jenny, representing Kiulu, took third place. The two took home RM13,000 and RM10,500 respectively, along with other sponsored items. In fourth place was Rini Aswanda Jukilin (Beluran), followed by Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort) in fifth, Jenylin Janis (Ranau) in sixth, and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) in seventh. They received RM8,000; RM6,000; RM5,000; and RM4,000 respectively, as well as scholarships and other sponsored items. A total of 51 Kadazandusun beauties from across Sabah and Kadazan KDCA branches participated in this year's competition. The Unduk Ngadau pageant is one of the Kaamatan highlights, celebrating Huminodun, a maiden who was sacrificed by her father, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine and bring about a bountiful harvest.
