BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA and NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: Villagers of the Bisegu community from six villages here responded overwhelmingly to the first-ever Brarak and Bipajak Gawai Bisegu.
Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSPB) chairman Gabriel Michael Tomi said over 500 villagers from Kampung Segu Bunuk, Kampung Sumur Bunuk, Kampung Sorot Bunuk, Kampung Bratan Bunuk, Kampung Punau Bunuk, and Kampung Sibatuh Bunuk dressed in traditional Bidayuh attire came to participate in the event.
“We were targeting some 175 participants because there were seven contingents with each contingent comprising 25 people.
“We are delighted to see such a big turnout, especially the young ones who are joining their elderly in this event,” he said on yesterday (June 3).
Describing the event as a huge success, Gabriel expressed hope that it would be an annual event for the villagers here.
He said the event not only provides an opportunity to unite the six villages, but also further strengthen as well as nurture harmony and good ties among the villagers.
“Moreover, this event also aims to encourage the young generation to embrace the spirit of Gawai and to be proud of their culture as well as heritage.
“We hope that the villages will take turn to become the host to hold this annual event,” he said.
The first-ever edition of the grand celebration saw myriad activities – from a feast for the senses as traditional costumes, intricate choreography, and rhythmic music merged harmoniously to an enthralling concert featuring four talented Bidayuh singers.
