KUCHING: Over 1,000 people gathered for the opening night of the state level Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2024 at MJC New Township, Batu Kawa here on Thursday night.
The bazaar featured a variety of food, drinks, crafts, traditional and modern clothing, and will run for 10 days until May 26.
The main attractions were performances by local bands, including Snipers and Masterpiece.
Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, the festival’s chairman, and Miro Simuh, the deputy chairman, were present during the opening night.
There are 180 stalls in total, with 45 halal and non-halal stalls each, 39 stalls for various products, 10 stalls for dry food, and three ethnic booths for Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu.
Additionally, from May 22 to 24, there will be Gawai nights celebrating Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu cultures.
This year’s Gawai Dayak Celebration continues with other events like the Gawai Dayak Carnival from June 6 to 8 at Dewan Manggeng, Siburan; Gawai Dayak Cultural Parade on June 15 from Tun Jugah building to Kuching Waterfront; and Gawai Dayak Gala Dinner on June 22 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
