PADAWAN: Tematu Culture Group clinched the first place in the Bidayuh Traditional Dance Competition, held in conjunction with the Bidayuh Mystique Festival 2022 (BMF 2022) yesterday.
The competition, which took place at St Paul Bunuk Parish Hall saw four dancing troupes from Kampung Tematu, Kampung Bunuk, Kampung Semedang and Kampung Garung compete in the traditional dance category.
The winning dance from Kampung Tematu; called “Sigal Ma’an Eang” (the act of thanksgiving to the Goddess) was accompanied by the beat of a gong called “Gondang Manah and Gondang Sinoyan” which originates from the Bidayuh Jagoi tribe, performed during the harvest festival celebration which is “Gawea Sowea” (Gawai Tahun or Gawai Padi).
Now performed as entertainment in the Gawai Dayak festival, the dancers danced while carrying “sadih”, which is “subuoi” (rattan baskets) containing “pogang” (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) and “sukuoi” (rice wrapped in sukuoi leaves) as supplies for the Spirit of Paddy and the Spirit of Ancestors and illuminated by “panjut” (candle made of dry bamboo wrapped in cloth and moistened with cooking oil) which gives light to the spirits called “eang” to participate in celebrating Gawai.
“Pinguman” or food is also served in “talam” for the invited “eang” as a sign of gratitude for the previous season’s rice harvest while praying for a better and more profitable rice harvest in the coming season.
Pandan “amuok” (mat) is used as a floor mat where all dishes and “sadih” will be served.Kampung Tematu brought home cash prizes worth RM1,500 and certificates. Kampung Bunuk won second place, followed by Kampung Semedang in third. Both took home RM1,000 and RM800 including certificates respectively.
Kampung Garung took the consolation spot and brought home RM200 including certificates.Earlier, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah officiated the event.
Tonight, 10 Bidayuh beauties from Padawan, Serian and Bau will vie for the title of Dayung Remus Bidayuh Mystique, which is the highlight of this event.The top three winners will bring home cash prizes worth RM2000, RM1500 and RM1000 for the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
They will also be given a trophy, sash, certificate and other gifts. Cash worth RM100 and a certificate will be given as consolations to other participants as well.
Federal Deputy Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara J.P will officiate the festival and several Bidayuh singers, including Rozzie Mila and Claudia Geres will be performing as well.
