KUCHING: Dayaks in the state officially celebrate Gawai Dayak in the evening of May 31 but foreign tourists as well as those from Peninsular Malaysia had a foretaste of the festival at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.
The Kuching Waterfront Pre-Gawai event, which took place at Godown Amphitheatre, was organised by Sara Urusharta Sdn Bhd.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Native Laws and Custom) Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) deputy general manager cum director of tourism and hospitality division Edwin Abit launched the celebration by beating a ‘beduk’ (drum) yesterday.
“There are more than 40 ethnic sub-groups in Sarawak, each with its own distinct language, culture, lifestyle and because of that, the state has so much to offer in terms of cultures and traditions,” Sikie told the audience.
He welcomed the tourists and pointed out that they were lucky to be present at the celebration to witness the culture of the Dayak people, the largest community group in Sarawak.
He told the tourists that they might have the chance to experience Gawai next week and Raya the week after if they stayed long in Sarawak.
Edwin told the tourists that performances were held at the Godown Amphitheatre every Gawai season.
“In addition to that, we also organise similar celebrations for Chinese New Year, Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas annually,” he added.
“Apart from that, we are also doing our bit to support local talents through our weekly entertainment programme, Waterfront Night Live and Waterfront Music Festival.”
After the beating of the ‘beduk’, there were performances by Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak during the two-hour celebration.
The audience each received gifts of Gawai cakes and kuih from Sikie and the other guests.
Among those present were Sarawak Convention Bureau general manager (government and industry relations) Chew Chang Guan, Sara Urusharta general manager Alan Poh, Sara Worldwide Vacations general manager Norlia Datuk Haji Sapawi, Sedidik general manager Nor Ashikin Abdul Rahman and Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak principal Pendi Sadi.
