KOTA KINABALU: Traditional paddy harvesting rites, the magavau ceremony and the beating of gongs marked the closing of Sabah’s month-long Kaamatan festival on Sunday (May 31).
Held at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan Hall, the ceremony symbolised thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and blessings received throughout the year.
Among the highlights was the Magavau, one of the most important rituals in the Kadazandusun tradition, where priestesses known as bobohizans or bobolians moved serenely while performing song-like chants before leaving the stage.
In his opening speech, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reminded Sabahans of the need to remain united, preserve peace and harmony, work hard and support efforts to bring development to the state and its people.
He said Kaamatan was not merely a cultural festival passed down through generations, but also a symbol of unity that must be preserved.
He said the festival helped instil tolerance and political stability, while also serving as an important tourism product for Sabah.
“Our togetherness is the essence for us to move forward,” he said, reminding that Sabah could only achieve its goals through unity, political stability and hard work at all levels.
“Let us celebrate our differences,” he said, adding that Kaamatan was a time to celebrate a fruitful harvest, Sabah’s rich culture and the spirit of togetherness.
Huguan Siou, or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut community, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan also reminded the people to continue preserving peace and unity.
He urged Sabahans to reject negative influences that could undermine harmony, saying that peace and unity were needed to protect the future of Sabah and Malaysia.
Pairin said much remained to be done for Sabah’s socio-economic development, making it important for the people to continue strengthening understanding, acceptance and tolerance.
“We must continue to work, understand, unite and strengthen our efforts for our future generation,” he said.
“I am 86 years old, so this shows that I am ‘going home’ anytime, though hopefully I get to live until 100, just like Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,” he said in jest.
Pairin stressed that the present generation must always remember that the future belongs to the next generation.
After the opening ceremony, guests and dignitaries were treated to a parade of the 53 Unduk Ngadau finalists, as well as various cultural performances.
The hall erupted with cheers and air horns as the crowd gave loud support to the Unduk Ngadau contestants representing the different districts in Sabah.
The Unduk Ngadau queen is expected to be crowned at about 8pm on Sunday.
