Festivals, culture unite Sarawak folk

THE Gawai Dayak festival is always a colourful and joyful occasion, one often joined by all Sarawak folk regardless of race and religion.

Perhaps nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the longstanding practice of visiting open houses where guests are welcomed with warm hospitality to share the celebration.

At the state Gawai open house on June 1, for example, thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds were in attendance to enjoy local delicacies and soak in the rich Dayak culture on show.

As Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas puts it, “Gawai is a time for us to strengthen friendships among the Dayaks themselves and with all the other races and religions.

“Sarawak is really known for its religious and racial harmony, and this (open house) is one way for us to nourish racial harmony.”

He noted that open houses also showcased the Dayaks’ rich cultural heritage.

Bidayuh women in their traditional costumes at the Gawai parade in Kuching, Sarawak. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

Guests at this year’s open house were not only entertained by cultural performances; they also received a traditional welcome from three Bidayuh “ring ladies”, who were among the last few women to still wear copper rings on their arms and calves as part of their traditional attire.

“This rich culture and heritage are important factors to unite Sarawak folk.

“Today we can see that Sarawak folk from all races are fully united,” said Uggah, who led a group of Sarawak Dayak leaders to host the open house.

Two weeks later, this cultural vibrancy was on display again at the annual Gawai parade from Tun Jugah Building to Kuching Waterfront.

Some 3,300 participants in 111 contingents took to the streets, all resplendent in their intricate traditional costumes and accessories.

They clearly took pride in their cultural heritage and identity while also relishing the experience of celebrating together in unity.

As one participant said, the parade was an opportunity for him to dress up in his full Kayan outfit.

The Kayan are one of the indigenous communities collectively known as Orang Ulu.

“At the same time, I get to meet people from other ethnic communities and see them in their costumes as well,” he said.

Another participant said she was very proud to wear her traditional costume.

“My village is near the city and we enjoy many modern amenities, but we also want our culture to be maintained,” she said.

This sense of pride and unity is commendable, not least because it brings Sarawak folk together in appreciation of their cultural heritage.

This rich heritage is part of what makes Sarawak unique.

Mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures will, in turn, strengthen unity and harmony as everyone gets to share their heritage with others and celebrate festive occasions together.

However, this is something that should be nurtured and encouraged all the time, not just during festivals.

It’s easy for everyone to come together when there is an occasion for celebration, but it takes intentional effort to keep this going at other times.

Even on ordinary days, let’s strive to cultivate and strengthen friendships across racial and religious lines, to share and appreciate each other’s cultural heritage and to live together in unity and harmony.