KUCHING: The spirit of Gawai Dayak was on full display as people from all walks of life gathered for Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas’ Gawai open house at UNIFOR Complex today (June 1).
The event brought together guests of different races and backgrounds, reflecting the unity and harmony that have long been synonymous with Sarawak’s harvest festival celebrations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was the arrival of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and daughter Dayang Norjihan whose presence was warmly welcomed by attendees.
Throughout the event, guests enjoyed cultural performances, traditional music and a variety of festive delicacies while embracing the spirit of ngabang, a uniquely Sarawakian tradition of visiting friends and family during festive occasions.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Kujuk Gawai ceremony, which began with a traditional Iban ritual and recitation before dignitaries unveiled an assortment of fruits, agricultural produce and harvest offerings displayed beneath a ceremonial covering.
More than just a ceremonial unveiling, the tradition symbolises gratitude for a fruitful harvest and the blessings received throughout the year.
Adorned with colourful local produce, the display quickly became a focal point of the celebration as guests stopped to admire the arrangement and capture photographs.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of Gawai’s origins as a harvest festival, where thanksgiving, community spirit and appreciation for nature remain at the heart of the celebration.
Guests also had the opportunity to learn more about Dayak heritage through displays of traditional cultural items and musical instruments, including the rarely seen engkerurai, which drew the attention of many visitors.
The gathering served as more than just a festive celebration as it was also an opportunity for people from different communities to meet, reconnect and appreciate Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.
