SRI AMAN: A total of four main events will enliven the Gawai Dayak 2026 festive season as part of the Sri Aman Division-level Mantar Gawai Dayak celebration in Bandar Simanggang.
Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said these activities would serve as a platform to showcase the identity and heritage of the Iban community to the local population.
“I hope these activities can be promoted, either verbally or through social media platforms, to elevate the Iban community’s standing among other residents in the Sri Aman area,” he said in an UKAS report after receiving a courtesy visit from the Sri Aman Division Mantar Gawai Dayak 2026 Celebration Committee here yesterday (March 28).
The committee consists of five organisations namely the the Association of Iban Community Leaders and Chiefs (KMKK) of Sri Aman District, the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sri Aman Branch, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sri Aman Branch, the Simanggang Iban Ngepan Enthusiasts Club, and Kraftangan Simanggang.
The courtesy visit, led by Temenggong Leonard Libau Anol, aimed to brief Harden on the content and planning of activities for the Sri Aman Division Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026.
During the meeting, each organisation presented proposals on the various activities planned leading up to the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1.
Among the events scheduled is the Gawai Dayak 2026 Bazaar, organised by the Simanggang Iban Ngepan Enthusiasts Club, set to take place from May 15 to 25 at the Sri Aman Mini Stadium grounds.
In addition, the Mantar Gawai Dayak celebration will be held on the night of May 23 at the Sri Aman Civic Hall, with the theme “Segulai Sejalai Nuju Pemansang.”
Several popular local singers will also be invited to enliven the event before the symbolic Ngirup Ai Pengayu is performed, representing prayers for long life, good health, and abundant prosperity.
The Pekit (Kumang and Keling Competition) will also take place during the Mantar Gawai Dayak celebration.
The SIDS Sri Aman Branch Chairman, Brambun Joseph, said participation in the competition is limited to the first 10 entrants, with registration closing on May 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Niti Daun Parade, organised by the Sri Aman District Council (MDSA), is scheduled for the morning of May 15 starting from Padang Lama KPSU Sri Aman to Hotel Seri Simanggang, before returning to the starting point.
