Month-long Kaamatan festival starts in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: An age-old ceremony to appease the rice spirits in the northern district of Kota Marudu marked the launching of the Sabah’s month-long Kaamatan or Harvest Festival celebrations.

About a dozen bobolian or Kadazandusun priestesses performed the papasalakoi bambarayon ceremony at the community hall of the district that is one of Sabah’s key padi growing areas.

Also known as magavau or thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest was witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Huguan Siou or Kadazandusun paramount chief Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is Deputy Chief Minister.

Musa said the state government would continue to strengthen the celebration of cultural festivals that have become more than just a unifying factor among Sabah’s diverse communities.

He said cultural events such as Kaamatan also reminded the people about the values of their ancestors such as the importance of mutual help and cooperation.

Musa noted that cultural events could attract more tourists to visit the state.

Earlier, Musa harvested nine padi stalks at the packed hall accompanied by the beating of gongs.

Musa, Pairin and other state leaders joined a group of students in singing festive songs, including Tadau Do Kaamatan and Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan.

The crowds were also entertained to various cultural performances including the sumazau dance of the Kadazandusun, the monggigol sumandai dance of the Rungus and magunatip of the Murut community.

The Kaamatan celebrations would be held at various districts throughout May and an Unduk Ngadau or Harvest Queen would be chosen at each area.

The final day of the celebrations would be held at the Hongkod Koisaan hall in Penampang on May 30 with various cultural and traditional sports events such as momolastik or shooting with a slingshot, mioulos or arm wrestling and rimpanau or walking on stilts.

The crowning of this year’s Unduk Ngadau would mark the close of the celebrations on May 31.