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1st June 2001 - 15th June 2001
Gawai Dayak is the major festival of not only the Bidayuh but the other
indigenous peoples of Sarawak. It marks the traditional rice harvest and falls
on 31st May and 1st June. During Gawai, many city and town dwellers return to
their family longhouse or kampung. In the longhouse, women spend days preparing
sumptuous banquets of traditional food, which is washed down with tuak (rice
wine). Gawai Dayak is two days of singing, dancing and just letting go. Visitors
are welcome during Gawai, and as well as having a wonderful time they will gain
a good insight into the powerful ties that hold longhouse communities together
in an era of rapid social change.
Officially, the festival falls on June 1. It is a public holiday. But
traditional celebration with rituals to expressed their thank to the spirits of
the padi with offerings is held on difference dates ranges from the end of May
to July, in the various villages. Each traditional celebration lasts for three
days and three nights. At present there are only a few villages still carrying on with the
traditional celebration, while the younger generations celebrate the festival on
June 1st, in a modern way, with open house for relatives and friends from various
races. It is in fact becoming a typical Malaysian festival with multi-racial
favour.
Sarawak
Cultural Village Online
Sarawak Cultural Village will be promoting A Sarawak
Ethnic Festival - Gawai Tourism Night 2001 targeted to local and
overseas guests, please
click here for more details ....
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