BINTULU: As the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1 approaches, Robert Pengabang longhouse at Sungai Sebungan is busy with preparations to celebrate the festival in a spirit rich with tradition and cultural heritage.
Residents of the longhouse have begun decorating their homes since last week with colourful decorations, traditional bamboo weavings and twinkling lights that enliven the atmosphere, reflecting their excitement in welcoming the harvest festival.
Longhouse chief, TR Robert Pengabang, said this year’s Gawai celebration was particularly special as many young people who worked in urban areas had returned home, providing an opportunity for families to reunite and strengthen communal bonds.
“Gawai is not merely a celebration of the harvest. It is a time for unity, gratitude, and the preservation of Dayak cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations,” he said when met here.
Various cultural and traditional events are scheduled throughout the celebration, including ngajat dance performances, blowpipe competitions, the miring ritual, and a communal dinner.
The highlight of the event is the ‘ngirup ai pengayu’ event, a symbolic ceremony to pray for well-being and longevity.
Robert added that the longhouse committee had also organised a fundraising effort three days before the celebration to help support the planned activities.
The event is also expected to attract local tourists and visitors from outside the area, further enlivening the occasion and offering a platform to introduce Dayak culture to a wider audience.
“We welcome anyone who wishes to experience the true spirit of Gawai. This is the perfect time to share our culture, our joy and our unity,” he said.
