KUCHING: Sarawakians warmly embraced the extended Gawai Dayak holiday this year, expressing appreciation for the extra time to celebrate the harvest festival more meaningfully and reconnect with family and tradition.
Many described feelings of relief and gratitude for being able to return to their hometowns, particularly those living and working far from their native villages.
The extended break enabled them to participate in cultural preparations, rituals and communal activities that are central to the Gawai spirit.
Earlier, the Sarawak Government has agreed to declare June 4 as a public holiday for the Sarawak Civil Service, including Sarawak statutory bodies and state local authorities, in view of the overlapping celebration of Gawai Dayak and the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday.
Meanwhile, June 3 is also a public holiday to replace the first day of Gawai Dayak on June 1, which falls on a Sunday.
Members of the public, when interviewed by Sarawak Tribune, shared their joy and satisfaction with the longer holiday with many hoping that such arrangements would continue in future years.
For Charellyna Bungan Andrew, 24, who works in the private sector, the extended leave was a welcome chance to reunite with loved ones.
“I felt such a sense of relief being able to return home this year. The long journey didn’t matter as soon as I saw all my family gathered at home; the tiredness just disappeared.
“The longer holiday not only provide a break from work but also enables people to fully engage in Gawai customs and traditions such as ngabang (visiting), miring (ritual offerings), and communal activities at the longhouse,” she said.
Christina Joslin Christopher, 27, a housewife, highlighted the importance of the break for families separated by distance and work commitments.
“My husband works in the army in Johor. So, this year’s longer break is truly meaningful. It gives us enough time for the long journey and also allow him to spend proper time with the extended family.
“If it had only been a two-day holiday, we wouldn’t have made it. The journey alone takes two days. But with the extended leave, we have time to help with preparations and properly celebrate Gawai,” she said.
Similarly, Franky Watson, 28, who also works in Johor, shared how the holiday gives him rare, quality time with family.
“We all gather at my parents’ house. We make traditional cakes together and decorate the longhouse. This is the best time for strengthening family bonds.
“Gawai is not just a festival. It is a symbol of our identity. With sufficient time, the younger generation can really learn and appreciate our customs and heritage,” he said.
For Jacqueline Mashin, 23, the extra days allowed for a deeper engagement with the cultural practices that define the festival.
“The Gawai celebration is usually filled with cultural activities such as preparing traditional food, decorating the longhouse together, and performing rituals.
“A longer holiday period allows these to be done in a more organised and meaningful way. Gawai is not just about food and fun. It is a symbol of unity, heritage and our identity,” she said.
Overall, the extended holiday is seen as a powerful way to preserve and honour the Dayak community’s rich traditions and strong family values.
Many expressed hope that similar arrangements will become a norm, allowing future generations to immerse themselves more fully in their cultural heritage.
