How Sarawakian Dayaks celebrate Gawai, their annual harvest festival


During Gawai, it is customary for them to wear the ngepan - a traditional costume comprising marik empang (a chest ornament made out of beads), knee-length skirt, and a headgear known as sugu tinggi, coin belt and silver bangles. Photos: The Star/Zulazhar Sheblee

Despite the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, Patricia Judin, 46, is scaling down her Gawai celebrations, the annual harvest festival of Sarawak’s Dayak community.

Her only brother David Judin, 48, died five days ago due to health complications, and her family is still coming to terms with their loss.

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Gawai , Dayak , Heritage

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