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KUCHING, June 26: The 2023 ‘Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos Serian’ event showcases not only the rich cultural heritage of the Bidayuh, but also the strong spirit of unity amidst diversity in Sarawak.
Keeping Bidayuh Gawai Dayak traditions alive, the 2023 Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos Serian was held last night (June 25) at the Serian Conference Centre (SCC) and featured performances by 14 cultural troupes, the majority of which hailed from Bidayuh villages in the Serian Division, but also including troupes representing the Iban and Orang Ulu communities.
The event has brought people of various ethnic backgrounds together to celebrate Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos, a celebration traditionally held by the Bidayuh to conclude the Gawai Dayak festival.
One of the event’s highlights was a parade by ‘2022 Dayung Timungen/Dari Pimagan and Kumang/Keling’ contestants who wore various ethnic attire.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) advisor Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who was present to grace the occasion, urged all in attendance to celebrate Sarawak’s colourful culture as the State’s symbol of unity and unification.
Sagah, who is also Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Minister, added that he was very proud to see people of various ethnicities celebrating Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos together.
He also reminded village chiefs and community leaders to uphold the traditional Gawai Dayak celebrations and refrain from making arbitrary changes to them.
The 2023 Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos Serian event was the first to be held at the newly completed SCC. The event drew over a thousand invited guests from the Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu ethnic groups, as well as Malay, Chinese, and other ethnicities from Serian Division.
Themed ‘Preserving Authentic Culture’, the 2023 Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos Serian dinner was organised by DBNA branches of Serian and Bung Sadong in collaboration with the Serian Resident’s Office.
The Serian Community Leaders Association and other government agencies also assisted in organising the event.
Meanwhile, in the same event, Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, announced an allocation of RM30,000 for DBNA Serian to help cover expenses of the 2023 Gawai Nyisaan Bunoos Serian dinner.
He then presented cheques totalling RM195,000 in Minor Rural Project (MRP) funding to 13 recipients comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and clubs from various government agencies.
Among others present at the event were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik, Serian Resident Selamat Jati Yanjah, and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) chief executive officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik. — DayakDaily
