SOME events warm the heart, and then some stir the soul. Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 was both.
Held on June 2 at Kampung Segu Bunuk, along Jalan Puncak Borneo, this year’s celebration was nothing short of spectacular. The community’s response exceeded all expectations. As the gongs rang through the hills and vibrant colours of traditional Bidayuh attire filled the streets, more than 3,000 people gathered in joyful unity to either participate in or witness a cultural spectacle that has become the pride of the Penrissen-Padawan area.
Now in its third year, Brarak & Bipajak Gawai is a cultural celebration deeply rooted in Bidayuh tradition and community spirit.
The Brarak refers to the parade, while Bipajak marks the evening’s fellowship gathering. Together, they form a full-day celebration of heritage, unity, and thanksgiving.
What began as a modest community initiative blossomed into a signature cultural event – one that not only brings people together but also revives and reinforces our identity as Bidayuhs. This year’s turnout was the largest to date, a testament to the growing pride and sense of belonging within our community.
As early as 1:00 pm, groups began gathering along the designated parade route. By 4:00 pm, a wave of cultural pride swept through the village. Participants donned traditional Bidayuh attire – each ensemble rich with meaning and symbolism – and marched proudly as spectators cheered, clapped, and captured the moment with smartphones and cameras.
The parade captivated not just residents of Kampung Segu Bunuk, but also drew in attendees from neighbouring villages, bustling urban hubs, and even intrigued tourists who were drawn by the buzz surrounding the event.
Many remarked that they had never experienced anything quite like it. And rightly so. This year marked a new milestone – 21 contingents took part in the parade, more than triple the number recorded last year.
Among the participants were representatives from Bidayuh villages, cultural associations, youth groups, and even non-Bidayuh friends who joined in support of unity and socio-cultural appreciation. It was a breathtaking sight – one that affirmed the richness of our heritage and the potential of community-led cultural tourism.
Several distinguished guests further elevated the celebration with their presence. Transport Deputy Minister and Mambong Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, officiated the flag-off ceremony, lending stature and visibility to the event. His wife, Datin Lee Chai Foong, was also in attendance.
Also present were Datuk Willie Mongin, Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo and Patron of Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), along with his wife, Datin Yii Chooi Ling; Julius Scott Sapong, Senior Administrative Officer of Bayur; and Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Special Administrative Officer of the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) and President of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
Their presence and continued support have been instrumental in elevating the profile of this cultural celebration. It is also a clear sign of growing recognition at various levels of governance and leadership.
One of the most uplifting moments of the evening came during Dr Jerip’s speech at the Bipajak gathering, held at the Betang Gawai of Kampung Segu Bunuk. Addressing a packed audience, he announced that Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu will be officially included in Sarawak’s tourism calendar of events.
This is a major milestone. It means that from next year onwards, our village celebration will receive the promotional attention it truly deserves, potentially drawing even more visitors, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts.
For a grassroots event to achieve this level of recognition is no small feat – it is a triumph of community vision, perseverance, and unity.
Even more encouraging, Dr Jerip committed to making next year’s edition even bigger, signalling deeper institutional support for what remains, at its core, a community-driven movement.
Yet, what makes Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu so meaningful goes beyond numbers or dignitary attendance. It is the spirit that moves it.
From children rehearsing traditional dances to elders mentoring the young on proper attire and ceremonial rituals, the celebration becomes a living classroom for cultural transmission. It reaffirms timeless values – respect, unity, continuity. In a rapidly digitised and often disconnected world, this event serves as a powerful anchor to our roots.
As one village elder wisely said to me, “This is not just a celebration. This is preservation.” He could not have put it better.
Behind the scenes, the success of the event rested on the shoulders of countless volunteers – committee members, cultural troupes, youth groups, and families – who worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to June 2. From rehearsals to logistics, from costume making to meal preparations, their collective dedication brought the celebration to life.
A special mention must go to PSBP, the organising body, whose leadership, coordination, and relentless fundraising efforts were crucial in translating vision into reality. Without their commitment, this event would have remained an idea on paper.
While Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu began in Kampung Segu Bunuk, its story now has the potential to inspire other communities across Sarawak. It proves that cultural events do not need massive budgets or grand infrastructure to be successful. What they need is authenticity, community spirit, and pride in one’s roots.
As I watched the final contingent march past, their chants and drumbeats echoing across the Penrissen hills, I was filled with emotion. This was more than a parade. It was a homecoming. A cultural statement. A celebration of identity.
Now, with official recognition on the horizon and the wind of momentum at our back, Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu is set to become not just a local tradition, but a cultural landmark for all Bidayuhs – and Sarawakians in general.
To all who took part, offered their support, or joined us during the event, we give you a heartfelt ‘terima kasih’ and ‘Sramat Gawai’ to every one of you.
Let us continue to honour our past, celebrate our present, and shape our future with pride and purpose.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
