Cultural night draws 3,000-strong crowd

TATAU: The 2024 Tatau Festival’s Iban Cultural Night attracted an impressive crowd of 3,000 attendees.

The event held at the Sungai Jatan Community Park on Friday, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Iban community, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness the Iban traditions.

A variety of traditional Iban customs and rituals were featured and had captivated the audience.

Highlights of the evening included the ‘miring’ ceremony, a traditional offering ritual to appease the spirits, and ‘bebiau’, a customary blessing.

Additionally, there were demonstrations of ‘beramban’, a traditional Iban fishing method, as well as motivational and praise poetry, which reflected the wisdom and pride of the Iban people.

Sikie (fifth left) and other guests witness the performances at the 2024 Tatau Festival’s Iban Cultural Night.

Performances of ‘gendang pampat’, a type of traditional Iban drum music, and the iconic ‘ngajat’ dance brought the cultural experience to life.

Among those present to join the event were Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai and his wife, Datin Seri Melia Gelen.

Their attendance underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Iban community.

Also in attendance was Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, who expressed her admiration for the vibrant celebration.