Do Ledoh a platform to revisit age old customs

BELAGA: Pesta Do Ledoh is an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about the historical practices and customs of their forebears.

Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang said the festival serves as a reminder on ancestral beliefs and the origins of their culture.

“There are many of you who are young and have come from afar, but you made it and you are here today.

“I am thankful to Uma Kahei, for remembering culture and the lifestyles practised in the olden days,” he said at Uma Kahei longhouse, here before officiating the ‘Pesta Do Ledoh’ on yesterday (July 5).

He said the younger generation should take pride in the beauty of their customs, traditions and the rich cultural tapestry of the Kayan community.

The event gathered various longhouses and diverse ethnic groups including the Sekapan, Lahanan, Kejaman and the Punan.

Liwan (second left) presents a souvenir to the winners of the ‘ngajat duet’ competition. Also seen in the photo is Tijan (far right)

‘Do Ledoh’ is a celebration to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest and is usually celebrated in April after farmers finish harvesting paddy.However, ‘Do Ledoh’ is hardly celebrated by those who have embraced Christianity.

“The reason why we have this is to share about our culture, to also talk about the Orang Ulu costumes worn by the Kayan, Kejaman, Kenyah, Lahanan and Sekapan community – the beauty is there,” he said.

Liwan, who is Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, encouraged young people to learn the ‘parap’ (traditional chanting) and play the ‘sape’ (traditional instrument).

“The benefits of a ‘Pesta’ (celebration) like this is that it gathers all of us all from near and afar … together, we work with one another and lift each other up,” he said.

At the end of the event, Liwan allocated RM10,000 to Uma Kahei’s Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).

Also present at the event were political secretary to the Premier, Thomas Balan Bang, acting district officer for Belaga, Bidah Lujah, Belaga police chief DSP Jimbai Bala and Uma Kahei longhouse chief, Tijan Hendrick Hank.