FOR the past two weeks, people from all walks of life have been flocking to the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) grounds in Penampang, near Kota Kinabalu, for the ever-popular Harvest Festival bazaar.
Since May 15, rain or shine, crowds have come to savour local delicacies and a variety of beverages when the KDCA opened its doors and the Hongkod Koisaan Hall (Unity Hall) to cultural activities unique to Sabah.
The native communities celebrate Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, throughout May as a sign of thanksgiving for a fruitful harvest and the bounty of the land.
During the day, the KDCA grounds where the bazaar is held are just an ordinary car park. As evening comes, the site is transformed into a vibrant carnival.
Canopies line the parking lot, selling a variety of food items, such as roasted lamb, oxtail assam pedas, barbecued chicken wings, fresh oysters served with lemon, and ikan bakar or grilled fish.
Traditional dishes sold by native communities in the cultural village within the KDCA compound include hinava (fish mixed with shallots, chilli padi, and grated ginger and cured in lime juice,), bosou (preserved fish), and butod (live sago worms), among others.
To wash down the food, visitors can choose from many canned drinks, fruit juices, or stronger alcoholic beverages like beer and local brews such as tapai rice wine.
Visitors are accompanied by incessant music in the background, with each stall playing either catchy Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) songs or contemporary modern tunes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Lester Dominic, a native of Penampang, said the Kaamatan bazaar has never lost its allure as an avenue to bring the people together despite being held without fail each year except during the Covid-19 period.
“I don’t think it will ever lose its appeal because, besides the food, drinks, and party-like feel, the real reason the bazaar is so popular is that it reminds us we are one people.
“Everyone needs each other to progress and achieve things in life. We should rejoice in that sense, and the fact we can gather so many people in one place is already a cause for celebration,” he said.
Becca Hong echoed this sentiment.
She travelled from Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah to join the celebration on May 28.
“I am working in Sandakan, so I couldn’t be here earlier, but I was not going to miss this.
“For me, it’s not only to offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest but also a time to show our appreciation to our family and friends for being in our lives. What better way to do that than to wine and dine with them!” she said with a laugh.
