By NICK FLETCHER
MUKAH: The visitors of 2019 Kaul Tugek Festival were enchanted by Ipok at the Kaul Seraheng Kakan site here yesterday.
The visitors, especially those from outside, did not miss the opportunity to take pictures with two of the locals who were masked in male and female Ipok.
According to James Anthony Ruji, 66, from Kampung Telian Tengah, Ipok is a god worshipped by the Melanaus during ancient times.
He explained that if it is not worshipped, Ipok will be angry and could bring disaster.
“According to belief, Ipok is powerful and regulates the universe.
“It is worshipped to ensure prosperity, be it the multitude of fishes in the sea or jungle produce in the forest,” he said during a brief interview.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Chiow Yi Min, regarded her long journey here to witness the festival as a worthy one.
Born in Penang, she explained that she came alone to gain experience and explore the life and culture of the Melanaus.
“This festival shows a tradition inherited by the Melanaus and should be continued,” she added.
According to Yi Min, the open banquet (Keman Kaul) was the most interesting as everyone shared their food and drinks.
“Here, I can try the delicious Melanau traditional food… they are very friendly,” she said.
She also expressed her fondness for the culture as the ceremony clearly demonstrated the harmony and mutual cooperation of the Melanaus.
The festival began at 8am yesterday, as soon as the boat entourage arrived at the site.
The boat entourage had earlier departed at about 7am along the Telian River to Batang Mukah.
Also present were Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Taib and Tellian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo.
As the entourage arrived, the traditional ceremony was completed by the Bapa Kaul followed by Keman Kaul which was then enlivened with performances of cultural dances and martial arts.
The lively atmosphere was evident during the ceremony as people were seen relaxing while eating together at the site.
It was also interesting as everyone were sharing and enjoying the food and drinks brought, even to outsiders.
However, meat including eggs and bananas were not allowed at the festival.
The ceremony was also enlivened with a boat decoration contest.
