KUCHING: Visitors flocked to the Gawai open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Saturday (June 1) in a show of multicultural harmony.
Dressed in traditional attire, attendees enjoyed a spread of local delicacies and were entertained by cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
Three Bidayuh "ring ladies" from Kampung Semban made a special appearance. They wore coiled copper rings on their forearms and calves.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who headed a group of Sarawak Dayak leaders to host the open house, thanked all the guests for their support, notably Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
"I can see that the guests are from all races and religions. They flocked here to show our unity, and the Dayak community is very pleased and honoured," he said at the open house.
Gawai is the harvest festival Sarawak's Dayak community celebrated on June 1 and 2.
Uggah said Gawai was a time for the Dayaks to strengthen friendships with each other and other races and religions in the state.
"Sarawak is known for its religious and racial harmony, and this is part of the way for us to nourish this racial harmony," he said.
Uggah also called on the Dayaks to play their part in helping Sarawak to develop.
He said the Dayak community must participate in various development initiatives.
