KOTA SAMARAHAN: The vibrant spirit of Sarawak comes alive with the celebration of Gawai Dayak, a festival deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the native ethnic groups of Sarawak, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut and Lun Bawang.
Gawai Dayak is a festival that elevates the identity of the Dayak community as a whole and it is very important for us to celebrate the unity that is at the core of our efforts to achieve continuous progress.
Gawai, originating from the Iban language, translates to ritual or festival, symbolising the culmination of the rice harvesting season and a time for gratitude, prayers and unity.
Preparations for Gawai begin early, marked by the brewing of “tuak” weeks ahead and the crafting of traditional delicacies such as “kuih penganan”, “kuih sarang semut”, “kuih chuan”, “pulut lulun” and “manuk daun ubi lulun”.
Here are what some celebrants have to say about the Hari Gawai celebration:
AMBROSE HOWEL, 24
Drafter
What I look forward to the most during the Gawai festival is returning to the village and spending time with my relatives.
The activity I’m eager to engage in is making traditional kuih with family members and dressing in traditional attire while taking pictures with a crowd.
My hope is for the Gawai bazaar to be expanded further to enhance the festive atmosphere of Gawai Day.
My predominant thoughts and feelings revolve around the desire to return to the village and spend cherished moments with my beloved family.
PHILIP GREENE, 84
Pensioner
What I look forward to most every Gawai celebration is seeing my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathering in the longhouse and having fun together.
Every Gawai festival, my longhouse will usually hold a variety of activities such as singing competitions, poco poco performances, Gawai kumang/keling competitions and house-to-house visits,
My hope for this Gawai festival is that Sarawak will be prosperous and peaceful.
My advice is to maintain the harmony between people of various races and religions.
TOMMY PILA, 52
Unemployed
What I want during the Gawai festival is to gather with my family and relatives in the village.
Every year in our village, we will hold various activities such as traditional Dayak dances such as ngajat.
I advise all celebrants to take care of themselves and not to drink excessively. Please don’t drive if you’re drunk.
And please avoid controversies so that Sarawak may continue to prosper without any sensitive issues.
Gawai is also a good time to renew and strengthen family relationships.
May you all have a beautiful and blessed Gawai Dayak Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai. Amen.
MAGDALENE SIMA, 26
Manicurist
Every year during the Gawai festival, usually, I go back to the longhouse to spend time with my family members and relatives because we can only get together once a year.
During the Gawai festival, our village will organise a variety of activities such as dancing competitions, and so on.
For those celebrating Gawai Day, I would like to wish them Happy Gawai Day Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai. For road users, be careful when driving. Remember your loved ones.
I look forward to meeting relatives I have not seen for a long time.
