KUCHING: Unity and goodwill in Sarawak are evident when other races join the Dayaks in celebrating Gawai.
In stating this, Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Datuk Peter Minos said this showed the deep respect for each other among all the races.
“As a Bidayuh, I must say that I’m happy to see other races join the Dayaks in the Gawai celebration,” he said in his Gawai message.
He said originally Gawai to the Dayaks meant a special thanksgiving to the Almighty for a good paddy harvest as well as for the general peace and tranquility in the village or longhouse.
“For the Bidayuhs, they had in the past a ‘Gawai Sowa’ (annual gawai) on top of all other Gawais.
“This is meant to promote unity and solidarity between the villages. In the past, Gawai Sowa was the one and only Gawai.
“However, these days, Gawai has added meaning. It is a time to feel grateful for the peace and stability in the nation, to show appreciation to the top leaders for bringing development to the people and to Sarawak where the Dayaks mostly live, to say a big thank you to the top leaders and government for the unity, solidarity and happiness enjoyed by all people,” he said.
Like all festivities, Minos said Gawai was meant for visits to friends and relatives as well as to rekindle relationships and unity among all.
“Happy Gawai Dayak to all, especially fellow Dayaks,” he said.