KUCHING: The second edition of Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2024 will return to Kampung Segu Bunuk at Jalan Puncak Borneo on June 2.
The parade will begin at 4.00 pm, passing through the village and ending at the Panggah (Head House) at the longhouse. The official opening ceremony will follow at the longhouse’s awah (open verandah).
Transport Deputy Minister and Mambong assemblyman, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil will officiate at the opening ceremony. Also expected to be present are his wife Datin Lee Chai Foong, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and his wife Datin Yee Chooi Ling.
Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP) is organising the event in collaboration with the Village Security Development Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Segu Bunuk.
An estimated 1,000 people including contingents from all six Bisegu villages, namely, Kampung Segu Bunuk, Kampung Sorot Bunuk, Kampung Sumur Bunuk, Kampung Bratan Bunuk, Kampung Punau Bunuk, and Kampung Sibatuh Bunuk, are expected to participate in the parade, PSBP secretary Aden Nagrace said this year’s event was expected to be grander than last year’s, with more participants.
It will certainly be a colourful cultural event with participants donning Bidayuh traditional costumes. The participating contingents will take turns performing during the parade. They will also be judged on their performances, including the quality of their costumes.
PSBP chairman Gabriel Michael Tomi said that to add merriment to the event, PSBP would also be holding lucky draws with attractive prizes for the winners during the opening ceremony.
The grand prize winner will take home a Yamaha Ego Avantiz motorcycle worth RM7,500. Other prizes include a refrigerator, smartwatches, an oven and other electronic items.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors who have generously donated the prizes. Thank you to YB Datuk Dr Jerip as well for kindly consenting to grace the event.”
Gabriel said the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu was held to coincide with Gawai Dayak on June 1 and 2.
The event aims to help preserve Bidayuh culture and tradition, particularly that of the Bidayuh-Bisegu.
PSBP has decided to make it an annual event.
Gabriel added, “By hosting this event, we aim to instil in our youth the importance of preserving our culture and tradition for future generations.”
