Bo Tiza is ‘queen’ for a year

KOTA KINABALU: A new daughter of Kinoingan (the creator) will reign for a year as Sabah’s Harvest Queen.

Bo Tiza Arthur Disimon of Penampang was crowned Unduk Ngadau or Harvest Queen at the climax of the state-level Kaamatan celebrations at the Hongkod Koisaan hall in Penampang on May 31.

In Kadazan, God is referred to as Kinoingan and according to legend, Huminodun, the daughter of Kinoingan and Suminondu was sacrificed and from her body, crops of food sprouted to enable mankind to survive in a famine.

Hence at each Kaamatan or Harvest Festival celebration, a Harvest Queen (Unduk Ngadau) is chosen to remember and pay tribute to Huminodun.

The crowning of Bo Tiza amid cheers of the thousands at the hall brought to a close the colourful festivities that kicked off with a traditional sports carnival the day before.

Setting the tone was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman who took part in a tug of war with other leaders including deputy chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun paramount leader) and state assembly speaker Datuk Salleh Tun Said.

The Harvest Festival celebrations at Penampang, popularly considered the homeground of the Kadazandusun community, was as vibrant as it could be.

With the theme ‘Cultural Understanding – The Way Forward’, visitors caught a glimpse of Sabah’s melting pot of culture and tradition – from the food to the dance and costumes – a result of the more than 32 ethnic groups that call the state home.

The organiser, the Kadazandusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA) took the trouble to improve existing facilities for this year’s event with the KDCA Cultural Village being the notable difference, to the delight of many.

This will not only serve as an eye opener for guests at the celebrations but also functions as a tool for the local community to draw tourists all year long.