By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Nov 6: Gendang Sarawak Festival is an important platform to revive and preserve the culture of ‘bergendang’ and ‘bermukun’ in Sarawak.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said these cultural practices need to be highlighted because of their uniqueness and artistic value.
“It is known that the tradition of ‘bergendang’ and ‘bermukun’ only exists in Sarawak, not in other states.
“As such, it is important for us Sarawakians to maintain and ensure the continuity of the ‘bergendang’ tradition for generations to come.
“These kinds of things are authentic and should be preserve and maintained,” said Abdul Karim when officiating at ‘Festival Gendang Sarawak 2022’ held at Kuching Waterfront on Saturday (Nov 5).
The festival is being held from Nov 4 until 6, in conjunction with Sarawak Regatta 2022.
Seven categories were contested, namely Gendang Melayu Sarawak (Main category), Men Pair Tandak (Open), Children Pair Tandak (Male), Women Pair Seh Gendang, ‘Busana and Tatarias Gendang Melayu Sarawak’, Gendang Melayu Sarawak singing, and Kenyalang Talent.
Apart from that, the festival also featured ‘Seminar Kearifan Tempatan: Pergendang Sarawak’ as one of the additions to the programme.
Also present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Motac) Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Motac secretary-general Dato Saraya Arbi, Department of Arts and Culture (JKKN) director-general Mesran Mohd Yusop and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
