KUCHING: Thousands flocked to Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today to take part in the Gawai Dayak open house celebration.
Starting at 10am, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife, as well as other Dayak leaders, welcomed and greeted guests by the door.
Visitors of various backgrounds, ethnicities and ages were spotted in their traditional costumes, batiks, dresses and others attires.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang arrived at the event at 10.30am.
His arrival was followed by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at about 11:36am.
Ushers clad in traditional Dayak costumes greeted Wan Junaidi and other dignitaries upon their arrival.
Upon entering the great hall, they hit the traditional drums marking the opening of the open house followed by ‘neradak ai pengayu’ by Wan Junaidi.
During the event, they also held a cake cutting session and was catered with the opening performance of ‘Gendang Pampat’ and ‘Ngajat Ngalu Temuai’.
The audience were entertained by dance performances from the Dayak Cultural Foundation along with Iban, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh cultural performances.
