NO “tua gawea” performing pagan rituals such as the ‘Nguguoh’. No “Dayung Borih” (priestesses) summoning the rice goddess to feast upon the offerings that had been prepared, and to accept the thanks of the people for a good harvest. No procession up and down the ruai to welcome the spirit god.
The Serembu Gawai open house was simply celebrated with beauty pageants, buffet dinner, soft drinks, brewing beer, tuak, live band performances and dancing.
Unlike in the old days when the festival was traditionally held in longhouses, where the communal spaces were used for rituals, dances and feasts, the Baruk Hall of the Serembu Cultural and Community Centre (SCCC) served as the heart of the Serembu Gawai Open House 2025.
Although the Serembu Gawai tradition has evolved into a modern celebration that emphasises on fostering a community spirit and unity, the decorations and other basic features including the bamboo tanju were good enough a reflection of the community’s ancestral traditions.
Integrating modern elements where people from all backgrounds can taste the local food and participate in the festival peacefully and harmoniously, the open house tradition was more of a platform for sharing joy and fostering unity with various communities and to showcase the Bidayuh traditional costume which was the dominant hallmark during the celebration.
It was also an important marker of Bidayuh identity as a whole, with traditional outfits including intricate beadwork, woven fabrics, and unique headwear being the prominent features.
None of the costumes was made of the soft inner bark of trees though, but it did feature variations according to the sub-groups of the Bidayuh communities.
Replaced by cotton costumes, the traditional costumes were a runway sensation, as people who came were mostly clad in them.
The prominent costume for women on the night of the Serembu Gawai open house were the jomuh (skirt) and short-sleeved or sleeveless blouse matched with accessories such as the ‘selapai’ (sash), ‘pangiah’ (bead necklace), ‘porik’ (copper/ metal belt) and ‘sipiah’ (headgear).
The “pangiah” comprises colourful rows of beads, stitched or tied together with strings of nylon or small wire strips, making it burst with colour.
Worn around the neck, the traditional or modern “pangiah” is mostly made of high quality ceramic beads.
The “pangiah” is a powerful visual representation of the Bidayuh identity, reflecting the community’s cultural heritage, traditions and even their values.
Pendants, either from the teeth of wild animals or funky artificial alternatives, may be stitched to the “pangiah”, adding a modern touch to the necklace.
A few men wore ‘tawuop’ or ‘tahup’, a long loin-cloth wrapped around the body with one end hanging down in front and the other at the back.
The “tawuop” is made of either red or black cotton cloth, with red and white band at the end. Some of the men also wore the “kima” (armlets) on the night.
However, the most common attire for Bidayuh men was black trousers and vests, a sleeveless garment covering the upper body.
The sleeveless, waist or hip-length garment, with a front opening and worn over a shirt (for men), blouse, dress (for women), or other cloth for style seemed to be a must-have for Bidayuh men during the celebration.
The Bidayuh vest normally comes in black cloth with white and red stripes, the colours of the Bidayuh community. With yellow added to the stripes, it makes the vest looks more vibrant to anyone who wears it.
Many men also wore the “burang sumba” (headgear) on the night. The headgear is mostly made of a red cloth with a narrow border of golden lace. Some headgear, however, were made of blue, red and white cloths.
The complete Bidayuh colourful traditional costumes were highlighted during the “Dayung Sangon” and “Dari Pogan” event.
In the “Dayung Sangon” and “Dari Pogan” beauty pageant, the contestants did not just strut down the cultural catwalk with pride; but more toward showcasing and preserving the cultural attire or the traditional outfits, and a whole lot of Bidayuh Serembu Bau in flair.
The “Dayung Sangon”, which translates to “beautiful girl,” and the “Dari Pogan”, which signifies a warrior man, also attracted participants from outside the Persatuan Asal Serembu Bau including from Krokong and Kampung Bumbok.
Claudia Luffina Andrew Pokas and Larry Winkle Teeh were adjudged the “Dayung Sangon” and “Dari Pogan” respectively.
Through the colourful costumes and individual performances of the contestants, the beauty pageants portrayed beauty, confidence, and cultural heritage of some of the Bidayuh Bau people.
From colours to the beadworks, every detail in the costume worn by the contestants had a special meaning, which of course was better known by the elders of the respective community they represent.
The costumes worn in the event were not just beautiful; they were a reminder of the pride and traditions that connect the Bidayuh Bau people in the Serembu constituency to their roots.
Although it has incorporated modern elements into the festival, the Serembu Gawai open house has gone far beyond being an annual festivity; it stands as a vivid reflection of the Bidayuh Serembu community’s unwavering efforts to preserve and uphold the cherished cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors, even as modernisation continues to reshape their surroundings.
That was not all. The live music performance by the local and two Indonesian singers also added spice to the festive atmosphere.
Accompanied by one of the top local bands in Bau, the “Midnight Strangers”, the palpable energy of a live music performance, combined with lighting and other visual elements created an immersive and memorable experience during the night.
The interaction between the performers (local and Indonesian singers) and the audience, the energy of the crowd, and the overall ambience contributed to the magic of a live music event during the open house.
It was an enjoyable night for all, as the music kept almost everyone on their feet, dancing to the beat of the music in front of the main stage.
Interestingly, the celebration during the Serembu Gawai open house also drew visitors from various ethnic backgrounds, including foreigners, highlighting the universal appeal of Bidayuh traditions.
Serembu assemblyman and host of the Gawai open house Miro Simuh said the annual event had witnssed the importance of the Gawai open house in fostering unity and togetherness among all Sarawakians.
“We will continue to hold the Serembu Gawai open house to showcase and preserve our culture and tradition. The Gawai open house has proven to be one of the most important platforms to our people together and to maintain peace and unity in the state.
“Gawai open houses including ours are also a unique feature, which other states in Malaysia do not have. It is a festival that is celebrated together in peace, joy and happiness; that makes Sarawak admired and envied,” he said.
Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Datuk Willie Mongin, Machan assemblyman Allan Sigeng Gramong and Dayak Bidayuh National Association Dato Ik Pahon Joyik were also present.
