Latest news with #Kumang
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025 returns June 14
Registration is open until June 10 via QR code. BINTULU (May 29): The vibrant Gawai Dayak spirit will shine once again at the much-anticipated Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau 2025, set for June 14 at Dinner World Restaurant here. This cultural pageant, aimed at preserving and promoting Iban traditions, invites Sarawakian women of Dayak descent from Kakus constituency to compete in beauty, intelligence, and cultural knowledge, while adorned in traditional Iban attire. The 'Kumang' winner will receive RM3,000, a crown, sash, trophy, finger flower, and certificate. The 'Lulong' (second winner) and the 'Selinggar Matahari' (third winner) will take home RM2,500 and RM2,000, respectively, along with a crown, sash, trophy, finger flower, and certificate each. Meanwhile, consolation prizes of RM500 and a certificate will be given to other finalists. Registration is open until June 10 via QR code. A rehearsal will be held at 10am on June 15, with the final event at 6pm on the same day. Eligible participants must be Dayak women aged 18 to 30, single, fluent in Iban, and first-time Kumang participants. Traditional Iban attire is mandatory, and all expenses are self-funded. A preliminary round will be held on June 12 if entries exceed 10. For inquiries, interested participants can contact Tuai Rumah Esther Ansai on 012-8085898 or Tuai Rumah Gilbert Ngadi Melaka on 019-8577799. beauty pageant lead Pekit Kumang Gawai Tatau
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Gawai Dayak celebration in Miri highlights legacy, global identity
Penguang strikes the gong to mark the start of the Gawai Dayak 2025 event in Miri. MIRI (May 25): The Gawai Dayak celebration should serve as a platform to promote Dayak culture and identity to the global stage, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. He also urged the Dayak community to take pride in their heritage and to uphold the Gawai celebration as a symbol of strength, continuity, and collective identity, and not merely as a festive occasion. 'Gawai holds a profound meaning. It is about more than celebration – it is about honouring the legacy of pioneers and leaders who paved the way. 'As your leader, and more importantly as someone who speaks for our community, I must remind this – if we do not speak for ourselves, who else will?' said the Marudi assemblyman his speech at the division-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner in Meritz Hotel here on Saturday. He represented National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at the event. Adding on, Penguang also emphasised the importance of recognising the Dayak community as part of a global society that valued diversity and mutual respect. 'What we preserve today will not only be remembered by us, but by the future generations and other communities around the world. 'You, the Dayak people, must be proud ambassadors of the rich legacy we carry as a community.' Penguang also stressed the need for cultural preservation, encouraging the Dayaks to celebrate their traditions with pride – without fear of judgment. 'Do not feel ashamed. Gawai is the time to showcase who we are – our identity, our food, our dances, and our values. 'It is not merely about drinking or feasting, but about unity, dignity, and cultural pride.' He addressed the criticisms againts of cultural showcases like the 'Kumang' and 'Keling' (Princess and Warrior) pageants, stating that these traditions were not superficial displays, but important expressions of heritage and identity. 'Some say that the 'Kumang and Keling' competitions are merely about appearance and showcasing traditional clothing, but I disagree with that view. 'It's not about showing off. It's about respecting our traditions and giving them the dignity they deserve. 'We must fulfil our responsibilities as citizens and as part of a united, multiracial Sarawak. We must stand firm, united, and unshaken,' he stressed. Organised by the Miri Division Gawai Celebration Committee and hosted by the Miri Dayak Association (DAM), the event also had Penguang announcing allocations totalling RM105,000, with contributions from various leaders including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who pledged RM30,000, and himself with RM15,000; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM15,000); Aaron (RM10,000); Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala (RM10,000), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM10,000); Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau (RM10,000); and Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing (RM5,000). The evening featured cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities, with highlights including the Kumang, Dayung Sagon and Keligit Orang Ulu contests, as well as Keling and Belawan competitions for Gawai 2025. community Gawai Dayak lead Penguang Manggil
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Perguruan Muntat Gamang posts record number of members completing class
Perguruan Muntat Gamang members carry out the 'miring' to mark the conclusion of their 'perguruan'. MIRI (April 28): A total 40 members of Perguruan Muntat Gamang completed their class at Batu 12 in Bintulu, last weekend. According to group leader Grandmaster Ugik Jalit, it was a record number as the most number of participants in one 'perguruan' (martial art session) was 31 previously. 'I'm very happy to see more and more members of the Iban community joining us to uphold and promote our spiritual traditions as well as beliefs,' he said. Ugik added that the location for the activity was also strategic for 'berguru' (seeking lesson) as it was on a secluded piece of private land belonging to one of Muntat Gamang members. The session commenced with a 'mancak babi' ceremony, carried by Sapit Tuai Kayau Dominic Kelundek and Tuai Kayau David Entalang. This was followed by several traditional rituals including 'miring' to seek for blessing from the 'petara' (god). 'What made the session more special was the presence of 'tukang edar piring' Doris Makat @ Kunci from Kapit. She was crowned a Kumang in 1997 and is very knowledgeable on Iban spiritual rituals and traditional cultures,' said Ugik. The session ended with a presentation by Lisa Kapit, a well-known 'tukang pantun' (traditional poet) from the Iban community. 'I'm impressed with the enthusiasm shown by all of the participants ' Some of them are gurus who have been practising 'kuntau' in Sarawak for a long time. Among them were Grandmaster Tubok and Grandmaster Balin from Sibu, Grandmaster Gamah from Kuching, as well as Grandmaster Wilson and Grandmaster Rudy from Bintulu. 'I hope all of us can remain united under Perguruan Muntat Gamang based on our pledge in the 'beras kuning' ritual and loyalty to our 'piring',' said Ugit. He also advised all members of Perguruan Muntat Gamang to always be humble and never to use their knowledge to start a fight with anyone. 'Always avoid whenever you can. Our 'ilmu' (knowledge) is only for us to take care of ourselves and should never be used to intimidate others. 'We acquire all this spiritual knowledge to preserve our beliefs and practices,' he advised. Ugik also expressed his gratitude to Tuai Kayau Silo Amit for working with members in Bintulu to prepare the venue for the perguruan session. 'About 300 members were present to witness the 'perguruan' in progress. 'We did not have any sponsors. All the expenses incurred during the session derived from collection from our own members. 'Therefore, I'm really thankful to all members who have chipped in to ensure the success of our perguruan session,' added Ugik. education Iban lead martial arts Perguruan Muntat Gamang
