SERIAN: In the heart of Sarawak, the village of Kampung Ta- ee here, came alive with vibrant colours, music, and laughter as locals and visitors from across Malaysia and around the world gathered to celebrate the Gawai Festival—an annual thanksgiving marking the end of the harvest.
What unfolded was more than a celebration, it was a powerful display of Sarawak’s unique identity as a land where many cultures, faiths, and traditions coexist in true harmony, said Dr Simon Sinang Bada.
The Tebedu assemblyman said unlike anywhere else in Malaysia, or even the world, Gawai in Sarawak reflects a living example of unity in diversity.
“In Kampung Ta-ee and countless other villages and longhouses across the state, people of various ethnic and religious backgrounds come together, not just during festivals, but every day, in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.
“Tourists from West Malaysia, Sabah, Brunei, Korea, Australia, China, and Europe are not only drawn to Sarawak for its natural beauty and rich heritage, but for the warmth and sincerity of its people. Whether they’re dancing the ‘ngajat’, tasting local delicacies, or experiencing life in a longhouse, they leave with one message etched in their hearts: this is what true harmony looks like.
“As we proud Sarawakian put it, ‘Here, we don’t just live side by side, we live together’, and in a world too often divided, Sarawak offers a lesson in what’s possible when differences are not just accepted, but celebrated,” he said when met at Kampung Ta-ee Gawai 2025 here yesterday (June 1).
The Serian District Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos sighted the Gawai celebration in Kampung Taee, held every June 1, is indeed one of the most well-known and anticipated events in the Serian region.
“It’s my first time celebrating Gawai here in Kampung Ta-ee, and I must say, the warm welcome and hospitality shown by the community is truly heartening,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the organisers and villagers for their efforts in preserving tradition while extending such a heartfelt reception.
“This experience reflects the true spirit of unity and community that Sarawak is proud of,” he added.
Meanwhile, the organising chairman for Kapung Ta-ee Gawai 2025, Johannes Ridu said this year marks the 55th anniversary of the Gawai celebration and Parade in Kampung Taee, which stands as a shining symbol of Sarawak’s deep cultural roots and spirit of unity.
He noted that this beloved tradition has been upheld by the villagers since 1970, growing in scale and significance each year.
“We are immensely proud to host this 55th celebration, not just for ourselves, but alongside friends from across Malaysia and around the world.
“What makes Kampung Ta-ee’s Gawai so special is not just our tradition, but the way we celebrate it, together, in harmony,” Johannes said.
This year’s parade, attended by an estimated 5,000 people, welcomed guests from various racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, embodying Sarawak’s famous motto of ‘unity in diversity’.
Johannes credited the success of the event to the unwavering dedication of the Gawai committee, the youth of Kampung Taee, the village security and development committees (JKKKs), St. John Taee, the Women’s Fellowship, St John’s school management teams, local authorities, and community leaders.
Also present at the event, Anglican Church Bishop of Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, and also president of the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM) Rt. Rev. Datuk Bishop Danald Jute, MDS councillors and local council personnel, community leaders, and sponsors such as Pepsi and Carlsberg.
