MY brother, Edward Jelani, is an 82-year-old retired SESCO pensioner. Last Thursday, he left Kuching in his friend’s elegant car. His friend, a Muslim policeman, drove them both.
They spent three days in the city, and I joined them for sungkei, a meal to break the Muslim fast, on two occasions. We truly enjoyed the delicious food served during the breaking of the fast in Metrocity, Jalan Matang.
During those meals, we discussed various topics, and Edward reminisced about our goodwill visits, called “ngabang”, to some Muslim friends in Sibu back in the early eighties.
This was when I was working as a lecturer at Rajang Teachers College in Bintangor, which was then known as Binatang (pronounced Mintang by the Foochow).
We made these “ngabang” visits on every festive occasion, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri. If I recall correctly, I started joining Edward and his friends for these visits in 1980. It became an annual social obligation for me until 1984 when I left Sibu/Kanowit for my hometown, Saratok.
Between 1980 and 1982, we were driven around for “ngabang” by SESCO chief clerk Hilary Sering (now deceased). In 1983 and the following year, I became our driver. I remember feeling a bit intoxicated in 1982 after visiting a few friends.
We visited various residences during our “ngabang” calls, including those located in Archer Road, Kampung Hilir, Kampung Nangka, Kampung Bandung, as well as government quarters in Lemon Road and Jalan Bahagia.
Some of the residences we visited belonged to popular Sibu figures at the time, such as Haji Abang Latif, his son Abang Amir, Fadzil, Bujang, Samat, and a few others. Unfortunately, some of them have passed away.
In 2017, during our stay in Kuching, we also went for Raya calls at the residences of Tan Sri Dato Sri Abang Khalid Tan Sri Marzuki and a few others. However, it was at Abang Khalid’s place (may he rest in peace) that we had the most enjoyable experience.
He arranged for many Elvis tribute artists (ETAs), including me, to join him for an Aidilfitri gathering one evening. There was music, songs, and generous cash gifts given in green packets to all the ETAs. Our spouses, who were also invited, received cash gifts as well. Each ETA performed at least two songs for the occasion, and there was an endless flow of drinks.
Nowadays, Raya open houses are all over Sarawak and other places. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sarawak Head of State held Raya open houses at the Astana.
State ministers and other high-ranking officials often host their open houses at venues such as the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and other halls.
During Gawai Dayak, I remember receiving guests at my brother’s residence in Sibu’s Rajang Park in the 80s. Some guests would arrive as early as 7:30 am, eagerly anticipating the rice wine called “tuak”.
These were the same guests whose residences we visited during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Gawai Dayak.
The “ngabang” tradition extends to other festive events such as Gawai Dayak, Christmas, and Diwali. However, for the Iban people, the most elaborate “ngabang” visits are reserved for Gawai Antu, a festival that commemorates deceased family members and relatives.
It is the grandest of all Iban festivals. During this event, both men and women dress in their finest attire, combining traditional Iban costumes with modern clothing.
Younger ladies take the opportunity to wear traditional Iban attire, including the “rawai” belt and the high headdress called “sugu tinggi.”
Older women wear the “baju kebaya” and special “kain.” Men can choose to wear warrior costumes, complete with headgear decorated with hornbill and pheasant feathers.
This reminds me of a hilarious moment during a Gawai Antu gathering at Nanga Ulai longhouse around 1930. The Iban inventor Dunging Gunggu (1904-1985), who owned a room in the longhouse, activated his hydro-powered fans (without speed control) from a distance using a cycling instrument. The fans blew away the headgear of both men and women, causing quite a commotion.
The victims were left in fits of laughter as they chased after their headgear, which flew in different directions. It was a memorable moment that added joy and laughter to the festive celebrations.
These festive visits and open houses play a significant role in fostering unity and promoting cultural exchange. They provide opportunities for people of different ethnicities and religions to come together, share delicious food, and engage in meaningful conversations.
The spirit of hospitality and openness is evident during these gatherings, as hosts warmly welcome guests into their homes and offer them a taste of their traditional cuisines.
Such celebrations also serve as a platform for showcasing cultural diversity and promoting understanding among communities.
By participating in each other’s festivities, we gain insights into different customs, traditions, and religious practices. This fosters mutual respect and appreciation, breaking down barriers and promoting unity in a multicultural society.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of organizing joint celebrations where multiple communities come together to commemorate different festivals.
These events promote a sense of inclusivity and strengthen the bonds between various ethnic and religious groups.
It is heartening to witness the collective efforts to create an atmosphere of harmony and togetherness during these occasions.
However, it is important to adapt to the changing times and consider the impact of external factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
In light of health and safety concerns, it may be necessary to modify the traditional ways of celebrating and find alternative ways to connect and share joy.
Virtual gatherings, online performances, and digital exchanges can be explored to ensure that the spirit of unity and celebration continues, even in challenging times.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
