By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 1: The Bidayuh traditional dance ‘Motak Birumoh’ and musical instrument ‘Silotuong’ are among some of the highlights at the Bidayuh Community Arts and Culture Ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Organisation (DBNA) headquarters in Jalan Ong Tian Swee here on April 20.
Organised by Bidayuh Bijagoi Bau Cluster Cultural Association, the one-day event will take place as early as 7.30am with an aerobic exercise, followed by various other activities until 10pm.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry has allocated RM60,000 under the Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund to support the event.
“As announced recently, this year is also a very special year for the Bidayuh community in Sarawak because it is their turn to host the State-level Gawai Dayak celebration.
“Thus, this cultural event is also the curtain raiser to the Gawai Dayak Festival. Through this cultural event, it is a pre-Gawai Dayak journey to reveal the atmosphere of this year’s Gawai festival in a friendly Tamah Aidilfitri atmosphere that shows the diversity of festivals in Sarawak,” he said in a text of speech read by MTCP’s deputy permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan during a press conference at Baitul Makmur II here today.
Meanwhile, Bidayuh Bijagoi Bau Cluster Cultural Association president Eddie Moda said among the activities planned are Bidayuh traditional dances from four Bidayuh-majority districts namely Lundu, Bau, Padawan and Serian.
There will also be a Bidayuh traditional costume display where the iconic Bidayuh musical instrument named ‘Silotuong’ will be exhibited and played for the audience in the afternoon.
At the same time, the Association’s secretary Anthony David Gramong said the highlight of the night would be the live performance of the ‘Motak Birumoh’ dance, which portrays the journey of the Bidayuh people in paddy cultivation activities until its harvest time.
Additionally, there will be special appearances by the band At Adau and iconic Ring Ladies of Sarawak apart from food and beverages and local craft booths. — DayakDaily
