By Rintos Mail
IN the tapestry of modern society, the vibrant threads of cultural festivals like Gawai can weave together a picture of unity and shared joy.
The Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 parade, held at Kampung Segu Bunuk, Jalan Puncak Borneo in Kuching recently, is a prime example, uniting people in a festive atmosphere regardless of their social or economic status.
With over 3,000 people involving 21 contingents participating, it is fair to say that the event stood as a testament to the rich diversity that characterises the Bidayuh community in Mambong state constituency
The Gawai parade was a great success, having served not only as a platform for celebration but also as a potent catalyst for community engagement.
Organised by Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), the parade highlighted cultural troupes from Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penerissen, Persatuan Biperoh, Persatuan Bisitang, Persatuan Braang, Persatuan Tebia, Persatuan Bianah, Persatuan Perkasakan Jati Diri Mambong, Persatuan Wanita Kawasan Mambong, Kpg Segu Bunuk, Kpg Sorot Bunuk, Kpg Sumur Bunuk, Kpg Punau, Kpg Bratan, Kpg Sibatuh, Kpg Bowang, Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera Mambong, Kelab Belia Kpg Bunuk, DBNA Penrissen and the Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club, Kuching.
Dressed in full dazzling traditional costumes adorned with intricate patterns, each troupe showcased their unique artistry and cultural pride through the distinct garments and accessories.
As usual, the women mostly wore blouses, skirts (jemuh), sashes (serapei) and ornate bead necklaces.
Some women wore skirts that featured unique designs and patterns while the colourful sash worn around the waist added a touch of elegance and style; the bead necklace made of high-quality ceramic beads and pendants adorning some symbolic meaning.
As for men, they mainly donned black trousers, while others wore loincloth (tauop), headgear and some wore armlets.
The bead necklace and headgear on the men and women are especially notable for their intricate designs and symbolic meaning.
Regardless of designs and patterns, overall, the attire worn by the participants was a reflection of the Bidayuh community’s rich cultural heritage, with each garment and accessory carrying a symbolic meaning.
Some participants carried symbolic props like drums, gongs, juah (basket), tapan (flat basket), banners and others, creating some stunning visual displays.
The parade also featured some drummers, gong beaters and graceful dancers, who moved to the rhythm of traditional music.
The melodies of different gong beats of different clans saw happy participants raising their hands and cheering while basking in the colourful parade, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere.
Some generous spectators, mostly residents of Kampung Segu Bunuk, took the opportunity to serve and toss to participants food and drinks while they marched along the way to the longhouse, celebrating the spirit of the Gawai festival.
This inclusive event truly brought everyone together to honour the richness of Bidayuh culture.
On the other hand, the parade offered a unique glimpse into the heart of the respective participating troupes, especially in revealing their clan’s historical roots, social norms and even aspirations for the future.
The fun and joy of everyone – the participants as well as the attending crowd – made the event not just a mere gathering but a profound demonstration of cultural pride and solidarity.
Through the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums – whether live or recorded – and the intricate traditional performance of some of the contingents’ dancers, the parade came through as a living, breathing exhibition of the various clans’ creativity and communal spirit, which, without a doubt, should be preserved at all cost.
From the perspective of a local resident, the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2025 was not only spectacular but a day of pride and celebration, as well as an opportunity to honour, appreciate and respect the various other Bidayuh clans’ heritage and to educate others about it.
Offering a vibrant blend of sounds, colours and movements, the parade captivated audiences of all ages, locals and visitors, fostering awareness even from a young age.
The Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu was not just a source of entertainment for children, but a window for them to peep into the diverse cultures of other Bidayuh clans.
With the involvement of some children in the parade, it provided for a multi-sensory experience that can spark theirs as well as other children’s curiosity, and foster a deep appreciation among them for the community’s traditions.
Also, by engaging in this kind of cultural parade from a young age, child participants can learn the values of inclusivity and respect, as they joined and witnessed the harmonious blend of different Bidayuh clans coming together to share their heritage.
Observing the customs and choreographic rituals performed during the parade can be an educational experience for both the participating and watching children, as well as adults, teaching them about the significance of these traditions.
Witnessing the respect and celebration of different cultures of the Bidayuh clans can help children develop a positive attitude towards diversity and teach them to appreciate both the Bidayuh and other cultural differences.
To some children, the memories created during the event may last a lifetime, and for many visiting families, attending the parade can become a cherished tradition.
By involving children in these events, the organiser had laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Through these lenses, it becomes evident that the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu annual event is much more than a festive event; it is a reflection of the community’s soul, a celebration the participants inherit from the forefathers, and a hopeful gaze into its future.
The parade of this kind is also a rich educational resource that can nurture the growth of culturally aware and empathetic individuals who had participated in it or those who had witnessed it.
In a long run, the Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu can even have significant economic benefits for the community, attracting tourists and boosting local economy.
Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament, Datuk Willie Mongin, was happy with the response towards this year’s event, which he described as extraordinary.
He acknowledged that the involvement of multiple contingents in the parade was crucial to the event’s overall success.
“A diverse range of participants, whether they are from the various Bidayuh clans associations or the local non-government organisations (NGOs) had contributed to the event’s vibrancy, organisation, and overall positive outcome.
“I am very thankful to all members of the organising committee, the residents of Kampung Segu Bunuk for the commitment and cooperation, and all the marching contingents for their dedication and excellence, highlighting their support, cooperation and role in ensuring a memorable parade.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Deputy Minister for Transport and Mambong Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, for allocating quite a huge amount from the state government to organise this event,” he said.
Willie, who is PSBP patron, said they will try to lobby for this Gawai parade to be included in the state’s annual event calendar starting from next year.
