PADAWAN: The spirit of Gawai came alive in Kampung Segu Bunuk as thousands gathered for the 4th Edition of Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu 2026, a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and unity of the Bidayuh community.
Organised by the Persatuan Segu Bunuk Penrissen (PSBP), the annual event featured a colourful 1.2 kilometre cultural parade, traditional performances, community feasting, and participation from villages, clan associations, NGOs, and community groups from across the Puncak Borneo area.
Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin, who serves as patron of PSBP and the event, said the celebration continues to grow stronger each year, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity while fostering inclusivity.
“This programme is called Brarak Bipajak in the Bidayuh language, which means coming together, enjoying, and celebrating Gawai. We are very happy to see greater participation this year. This is our fourth edition, and every year we are grateful for the overwhelming response from the people,” he said.
He said the primary objective of Brarak & Bipajak is to showcase the culture and unity of the Bisegu community while creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to experience the celebration together.
“The whole purpose of this celebration is to showcase our culture and our unity. We have six village associations and various NGOs coming together to participate. We organise it during Gawai because we want to highlight our traditions and allow others to join us in celebrating,” he said.
He added that the event is not only for the local community but also serves as a platform for visitors and outsiders to experience the warmth and hospitality synonymous with Gawai celebrations.
“We want people from outside the community to come and enjoy the moment with us. We want them to have a sense of belonging and to appreciate our culture, traditions, food, and way of life,” he said.
Willie noted that while Gawai was traditionally celebrated within individual homes and villages, the community has embraced a larger-scale approach to strengthen cultural visibility and inter-community engagement.
This year’s Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu brought together 20 participating contingents, including representatives from six Bisegu villages, Kampung Segu Bunuk, Kampung Sorot Bunuk, Kampung Bratan Bunuk, Kampung Punau, Kampung Sumur Bunuk, and Kampung Sibatuh Bunuk, alongside various Bidayuh associations and community organisations throughout Puncak Borneo.
Widely regarded as the largest cultural parade and community gathering of its kind in the constituency, the event culminated with a traditional Bipajak community meal and an official opening ceremony officiated by Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
Willie also expressed appreciation to all participating associations, volunteers, and community members whose collective spirit and dedication contributed to the success of the celebration.
“We want to thank all the associations and everyone involved because they came with a genuine spirit of participation and togetherness. This is what makes Gawai special and meaningful for all of us,” he said.
The annual Brarak & Bipajak Gawai Bisegu celebration continues to serve as a platform for preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds, and promoting unity among the diverse communities of Puncak Borneo.
