Five major events planned for Hari Gawai, says S'wak minister

KUCHING: Sarawak will celebrate Hari Gawai with five major events led by the Bidayuh community this year.

State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said the celebration would kick off with a Gawai Dayak bazaar at MJC New Township here from May 16 to 26.

He said the bazaar provided a platform for the Dayak community to sell their products and connect with other communities involved in entrepreneurship in Sarawak.

"Emphasising their culture and economic activities, the focus is on creating sustainable family income," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly media room here on Friday (May 10).

The bazaar would include sales of Dayak cuisine and handicrafts and cultural performances by the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities.

Hari Gawai celebrated on June 1 and 2, is the annual harvest festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak communities comprising the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu.

Sagah, who is the organising committee chairman, said a Gawai Dayak carnival would be held on June 6-8 in Siburan near here to promote the festival to the younger generation.

He said it would provide opportunities for community celebration, education and entrepreneurship with activities such as the Dayung Sangon and Dari Pogan pageants for women and men, traditional games, education fair and upskilling workshops.

The Gawai Dayak cultural parade would take place along the Kuching Waterfront on June 15.

"It will showcase the vibrant tapestry of Dayak culture and foster unity across diverse social and economic strata," Sagah said.

This would be followed by the Gawai Dayak gala dinner on June 22 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg would be the guests of honour at the dinner.

Sagah also said a coffee table book on the Gawai celebration was scheduled to be published later this year.

He said new Gawai tourism products would be developed leading up to the book's publication.

"The Gawai Dayak festivities bring positive impact to society and the nation.

"These include fostering cultural understanding, preserving and promoting cultural heritage, facilitating community development and entrepreneurship and advocating environmental conservation," Sagah said.