By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, March 13: The Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnocultural Festival, taking place in Miri from May 1 to 23 as part of the 2026 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebrations, is expected to give a significant boost to the local economy.
In a TVS news, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing and Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the event provides an excellent opportunity for local traders to showcase a wide range of products and traditional foods to visitors.
“For me, the bazaar in Miri has a unique charm compared to other places, as visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes and cultural performances in a more relaxed setting.
“In Miri, people can sit and savour their food while watching cultural performances at the same time. This creates an experience unlike any other,” he said at a press conference for the festival today.
He also noted that Miri’s strategic location near Sabah and Brunei is expected to attract visitors from outside the state, further stimulating local economic activity.
The festival will feature an exciting lineup of events including karaoke competitions, samping contests, ngajat dance and kuntau competitions, as well as live music performances by local bands.
Several cultural competitions will also be held, including gendang pampat, kumang, and keling drum contests, alongside traditional dance performances featuring participants from across Sarawak.
The highlight of the festival will be a traditional costume exhibition, showcasing the diverse attire of Sarawak’s Bumiputera ethnic groups.
“This festival is founded on the principle of inclusivity, bringing together various ethnic groups and communities to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our State,” he added. — DayakDaily
