By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 1: The Gawai Dayak 2024 open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) was a feast for the eyes, showcasing not only age-old rituals of the Bidayuh community but also a stunning array of traditional Dayak attire.
Leaders and attendees donned exquisite garments, adorned with intricate accessories and ceremonial gear that reflect the richness of the Dayak culture. The sight of colourful beads, feathered headdresses, and meticulously crafted garments showcased the community’s dedication to preserving their heritage.
This year’s celebration, hosted by the Bidayuh community this year, commenced with a sacred ‘Umon Birawan’ ritual to welcome special guests while honouring the gods and seeking protection for all from evil spirits and charms.
Two gongs filled with blessed water and other offerings were placed at the entrance arch as offerings for the spirits. This profound cultural event set the tone for a day filled with vibrant displays of Dayak heritage.
The open house, which welcomed some 7,000 people of various races, religions, and backgrounds, was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Wan Junaidi, along with Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and Deputy Premier who is also the permanent chairman of the Sarawak Level Gawai Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, beat the traditional drums to mark the festival that honours the hard work behind the harvest season.
Uggah expressed pride to receive guests from all races and religions to the open house whose presence demonstrated strong unity in Sarawak.
“Moreover, our objective to showcase the Dayak culture and heritage is a success, especially the presence of the Bidayuh ring ladies. Our culture is an important unity factor among Sarawakians,” he said.
Among the highlights were the Bidayuh ring ladies, the last of Sarawak’s traditional custodians from Semban village. Adorned with heavy brass coils around their arms and legs, they welcomed visitors with warm smiles and gracious hospitality.
Seated on a special swing bench, the three ring ladies also performed a hymn to welcome the guests, which also served as a means of communication with the spirits for protection.
Throughout the day, attendees were treated to an array of delicacies, accompanied by a series of traditional ceremonies and performances, including the Ngajat dance, a warrior dance that narrates stories of bravery and valour.
It was a day of unity, where the beauty of Dayak culture was shared with all who attended, ensuring that these deep-rooted traditions and customs continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works Malaysia Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development and the 2024 Gawai open house organising committee chairman Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and all Dayak ministers and deputy ministers were present. — DayakDaily
