KUCHING: At least 24 contingents have confirmed their participation in the 4th edition of the annual Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu (Bisegu Gawai Parade & Community Meal), which will be held on June 2 at Kampung Segu Bunuk, along Jalan Puncak Borneo, near here.
This marks an increase of four contingents compared with last year’s 20.
The parade began from humble beginnings in 2023, involving only six contingents and about 200 participants representing the six Bisegu villages.
Since then, it has grown into a vibrant community movement. Last year alone, the event attracted more than 4,000 participants and spectators, and this year’s edition is expected to be even grander.
Several new features will be introduced this year, including the unveiling of a special logo and an official event T-shirt.
The organising committee of Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), led by chairman Gabriel Michael Tomi, on Tuesday (April 28) paid a courtesy visit to Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil to brief him on preparations and the tentative programme.
He was accompanied by deputy chairman and organising chairperson Eric Niru Bina, secretary Aden Nagrace, and assistant secretary Rodney Mora.
During the visit, the organisers also extended an invitation to Dr Jerip to be the guest of honour at the event.
He commended PSBP for successfully promoting the event, noting that it has become a model for many Bidayuh villages and associations to emulate.
“It not only helps to promote and preserve our Bidayuh culture, but also strengthens unity within the community while showcasing our heritage to a wider audience.”
The Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu is no longer just an iconic Gawai parade in the Penrissen–Padawan area. It has evolved into a living expression of identity, pride, and cultural continuity.
This annual event, which symbolises unity, gratitude, and the spirit of a bountiful harvest season, also aims to foster kinship among the Bisegu and other Bidayuh clans in Puncak Borneo.
In addition, it helps strengthen unity and cooperation across all levels of society, preserve Gawai traditions among the younger generation, establish itself as a key annual cultural event of PSBP, promote tourism in the Penrissen–Padawan region, and honour the rich heritage of the Bisegu community.
