KUCHING: The Gawai celebration is an occasion to bolster multicultural unity and friendship, says the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS).
Its chairman, Datuk Danald Jute, called on everyone to join the Dayak community in the celebration.
"In this way, we can strengthen our bonds of friendship, harmony and unity as we appreciate our different ethnic and religious backgrounds," he said in his Gawai message on Thursday (May 30).
Gawai, falls on June 1 and 2.
Danald said the longstanding tradition of "ngabang", or visiting open houses, was a mark of Sarawakian generosity and hospitality.
"All of these are important ingredients for national unity," he said.
Extending Gawai greetings to all Dayaks, Danald said the celebration was a time of thanksgiving and renewing family relations.
"Indeed, we each have many reasons to be thankful to the Almighty God for the blessings received and promised.
"May you all have a wonderful Gawai Dayak. Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai (long life, health and prosperity)," he added.
