KUCHING: The Bidayuh community will lead the state level celebration of Gawai Dayak this year, said Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He added the celebration will carry the theme Indi Awang, Indi Asung or “One Heart, One Mind”.
“This year, more activities will be held, especially those featuring Bidayuh traditions and customs,” said Uggah during a press conference after chairing the Second Committee Meeting of the state level Gawai Dayak celebration here yesterday.
He pointed out that villages chosen to organise the celebration are those still having longhouses, giving priority to those with homestay.
“Among the longhouses that will be held at are the, Rumah Panjang Kampung Duyoh, Jagoi (on May 30 and 31); Rumah Panjang Kampung Annah Rais, Padawan (May 31 and June 1); Rumah Panjang Pueh, Lundu (June 2); Dewan Suarah Bau (Jun 22) and Rumah Panjang Kampung Pichin, Serian (June 29). The last one is in conjunction with the closing of Gawai celebration,” said the deputy chief minister.
Uggah also stated this year’s state level Gawai festival will also be promoted as a tourism item in line with the Visit Sarawak Campaign 2019.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the celebration will be the Gawai Dinner Night on June 15 at Imperial Hotel here where both the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg are expected to attend.
Also present at the meeting were organising chairman, Datuk Seri Micheal Manyin Jawong, Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Native Land Development Assistant Minister Datuk Roland Sagah.
