By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 5: The Ngalu ka Sebayan ritual, in which several residents dressed as pengabang—messengers from the afterlife—captivated residents and attendees of the Gawai Antu ceremony at Rumah Raymond Plen in Sungai Gelam, Sebauh, as the Iban community came together in vibrant celebration of tradition, remembrance, and kinship.
Held on Wednesday (June 4), the rare and sacred ceremony—typically observed once every three years—was attended by around 2,000 people from the 53-door longhouse and surrounding villages, according to Minister of Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi in a post on his social media.
The day-long event was rich in cultural rituals, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and heritage of the Iban people.
The proceedings began with the Niki ka Temuai ritual at about 4.30pm, followed by Muai Asi Ke Sebayan and the much-anticipated Ngalu ka Sebayan.
During the latter, the tanju (veranda), which was set up with 15 tents, came alive with laughter and cheers as individuals costumed as otherworldly messengers paraded and danced, only to be playfully sprayed with water from hoses—symbolising both purification and lighthearted fun.
Following that, traditional rites such as Ngabas Ranyai and Nyabung Telu were conducted, before the ceremony concluded in the early hours of the morning with the Nebang Ranyai ritual at around 1.30am, which marked the formal end of the Gawai Antu for 15 participating family units.
Nanta, who joined the event, expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to reconnect with the Rumah Raymond community.
“Though Gawai Antu is typically held once every three years, I feel not only thrilled but also blessed and joyful to have the opportunity to reconnect with relatives, friends, and residents of Rumah Raymond,” he emphasised.
The Gawai Antu, or “Festival of the Departed,” remains one of the most solemn yet joyous events in the Iban calendar, honouring the spirits of the dead while strengthening bonds among the living through shared memory, music, and tradition. — DayakDaily
