KUCHING: As Gawai Dayak approaches, the festive spirit has taken hold across the city, bringing a burst of energy to shopping malls and supermarkets.
At Farley, a well-known grocery store here, thousands of shoppers from various backgrounds could be seen making last-minute preparations, crowding the aisles for essential items ahead of the harvest festival.
Farley, known for its affordability and wide variety products, was bustling with people searching for food, clothing, and decorations.
The atmosphere was unmistakably festive. Colourful banners and traditional motifs lined the walls, while festive essentials and traditional items filled the shelves.
The traditional tunes of Gawai music playing in the background added to the cheerful ambience.
Among the sea of shoppers was Lanyau Sigan, 56, who had come from his home at Mile 10 to shop in the city.
Lanyau works with the Industrial Forest Research Centre (IFRC) in Semenggoh here and usually shops at the Mile 10 bazaar with his family.
“Yes, this is last-minute shopping,” he said with a laugh.
“The most difficult thing to find is food because there are so many people here. You really have to struggle with others to get what you want.”
Despite the challenge, he was determined to complete his shopping list.
“This is our first time coming to Farley. It’s quite okay here. The prices are quite expensive but bearable,” he added.
Lanyau also noted that although the prices at Mile 10 were similar, Farley offered a wider variety.
“There are only a few shops in Mile 10, but the goods are just like here. It’s expensive too, but manageable,” he said.
The sense of community at Farley was hard to miss. People of different religions and ethnic backgrounds came together in shared purpose, picking through festive clothing, selecting festive treats, and browsing through decorations.
In the drinks aisle, Alberto, 21, was on a very specific mission.
“What’s the hardest thing to find during Gawai shopping? Beer,” he said with a grin. “Carlsberg is quite hard to find.”
For many Sarawakians, Gawai is not just about marking the end of the harvest season – it is a deeply rooted tradition that brings families together.
It is a time of reunion, storytelling, food, and celebration, and the shopping experience is an essential part of the anticipation.
While the rush may seem chaotic, for many it is a joyful prelude to the holiday itself. Shoppers young and old were seen filling their trolleys with festive snacks, fresh produce, and essential items.
Some made their way straight to the food court after their shopping rounds, catching their breath over plates of local delicacies and iced drinks.
Security guards, cashiers and stock clerks worked tirelessly to keep things flowing.
Some shelves, especially those with popular snacks and beverages, emptied rapidly before being restocked by staff who moved efficiently in and out of storerooms.
While inflation has nudged prices up across the board, it has done little to dampen the festive mood.
Shoppers remained focused, patient, and cheerful as they navigated long queues and packed aisles.
Vendors were seen cheerfully greeting regular customers, providing special deals, and engaging in light-hearted banter.
The crowd at Farley Kuching mirrored the vibrant spirit of Sarawak’s Gawai celebrations.
It was a clear reflection of the unity and diversity of the local people. Whether it was first timers like Lanyau or young adults like Alberto, everyone had a role to play in preparing for the festival.
As the celebration draws near, scenes like these will continue to unfold across Sarawak.
For now, Farley stands as a lively testament to the enduring traditions of Gawai and the communal joy it brings.
