By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 31: As Hari Gawai Dayak approaches, Federal Minister of Works and Kapit Member of Parliament (MP) Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has shared eight intriguing facts about Gawai Dayak that highlight its cultural importance and the festive spirit that surrounds it.
“Selamat Hari Gawai. Eight things you need to know about Hari Gawai Dayak. ‘Aram kitai’ (Lets).
“First, Hari Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Dayak community. Second, Hari Gawai Dayak marks the end of the harvest season. Third, Hari Gawai Dayak will usually last for a month. Fourth, the Gawai celebration must have ‘tuak’ (rice wine).
“Fifth, the Kumang Gawai Competition will be held every year. Sixth, Hari Gawai Dayak must be accompanied by a ‘miring’ (offering) and ngajat (traditional warrior dance) ceremony circling the ‘ranyai’ tree (tree of life). Seventh, Hari Gawai Dayak will be closed with the ‘ngiling bidai’ (rolling the curtain) ceremony. Eighth, Hari Gawai Dayak is also celebrated in Indonesia,” Nanta said in a video posted to his Facebook reels.
The minister further extended his warm wishes to those who are celebrating Hari Gawai Dayak, hoping they have a blessed Hari Gawai. — DayakDaily
