By DayakDaily Team
SERIAN, June 3: Seven men carrying village-reared chickens took centre stage in Kampung Pichin on Monday (June 2) night, performing the mesmerising “Nantang Julu” dance—a traditional Bidayuh ritual steeped in ancestral meaning.
The captivating performance, rarely seen outside the community, symbolised unity, reverence for nature, and the enduring legacy of indigenous beliefs passed down through generations.
More than just an annual festivity, the Gawai Dayak celebration in Kampung Pichin served as a living testament to the Bidayuh community’s dedication to preserving their cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
From the rhythmic beating of gongs and the vibrant traditional attire to the folk game “mironcong” and other cultural dances, the night was a vivid expression of heritage in motion.
Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, who officiated the event, commended the villagers for their strong sense of identity and cultural pride.
“I am truly proud of the people of Kampung Pichin, who are not only celebrating Gawai but are also using it as a platform to showcase the rich and distinctive Bidayuh culture.
“This is exactly the kind of heritage that must be preserved and passed on, so it doesn’t fade away with time,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
He emphasised that such cultural events should be held annually—not only to bring people together but also to inspire younger generations and introduce the beauty of local traditions to outsiders.
“This celebration is more than just a festival. It’s an important opportunity to introduce our culture to the outside world. It fosters a strong sense of pride among our youth in their own identity,” he added.
This year’s celebration also drew visitors from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese guests who travelled from Sibu, Miri, and Peninsular Malaysia—highlighting the inclusive and far-reaching appeal of Bidayuh traditions.
In conjunction with the event, Riot also officiated the opening of a new multi-purpose hall (balu), completed in October 2024 under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) at a cost of RM526,000.
He encouraged the community to fully utilise the facility as a central space for cultural, social, and administrative activities.
Also present were community leader Penghulu Dennis Gamin, Rev. Father Augustine Singh, PPKP chairman John Jadol, and village headman Rioi Lagit. — DayakDaily
