KUCHING: The Gawai celebration is an opportunity to foster and strengthen mutual understanding, respect and acceptance among Sarawakians, says the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS).
Its chairman, Datuk Danald Jute, said Sarawak's peace and harmony should not be taken for granted but continue to be preserved through hard work.
"Hence, we encourage everyone to embrace and join in our unique tradition of 'ngabang' or open house so we can bolster and fortify our bonds of friendship," he said in his Gawai message on Saturday (May 31).
Gawai is a harvest festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak community on June 1-2.
Extending Gawai greetings to the Dayak community, Danald said Gawai was a thanksgiving celebration for the blessings and rich harvest of the past year.
"Gawai also celebrates our rich and diverse cultures, which add colours to our nation as well as strength to our communities," he said.
Danald also called for a meaningful celebration of Gawai and cautioned against overspending or overindulgence.
