Warriors secluded for three days in Adet Kayo ritual as Do Ledoh marks leadership transition in Uma Kayan Long Amo

The Do Ledoh celebration brings together villagers, elders and guests at Uma Kayan Long Amo in Belaga on June 2, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

BELAGA, June 2: The ritual in which warriors taking part in the Adet Kayo were confined to the communal hall for three days and three nights to enable spiritual communication with the war deity and to ensure that their return does not bring misfortune to the community formed the centrepiece of the Do Ledoh celebration at Uma Kayan Long Amo, which also marked a leadership transition within the longhouse community.

The event in Belaga brought together villagers, elders, and guests in a gathering that highlighted both cultural continuity and communal unity.

The celebration was chaired by Boss Among and attended by former Belaga District Officer Halim Abdullah.

Children participating in the Do Ledoh celebration at at Uma Kayan Long Amo, in Belaga on June 2, 2026.

According to a media release today, a key moment of the celebration was the formal transition of leadership within the community. Lato Juman, former Maren Uma (longhouse head), officially passed responsibilities to his grandson, Delly, while Gun Sengem has assumed the role of the new Maren Uma for Uma Kayan Long Amo.

The transition underscored the community’s commitment to preserving customary leadership structures alongside cultural heritage.

The highlight of the programme was a demonstration of Adet Kayo, a traditional ritual associated with the return of warriors. As part of the custom, warriors are required to remain in the communal hall, known as the Awa (ruai), for three days and three nights, during which they are not permitted to enter individual family rooms.

The ceremony began with the Napo’ Teloh ritual, a ceremonial act believed to facilitate communication with the war deity and safeguard the community from any spiritual harm associated with the warriors’ return.

During the ritual period, chickens were sacrificed according to the number of participating warriors, with portions distributed between warriors and their families as symbolic offerings.

The celebration concluded on the third day with the Kajel Ujet Bato dance performed in eight rounds, followed by the hanging of a victory trophy in the communal area and a cleansing ritual involving the disposal of chicken feathers into a river.

Alongside the traditional ceremonies, the event also featured a Keligit and Belawan competition showcasing traditional Kayan attire and cultural identity, as well as a lucky draw that added a festive atmosphere for attendees.

Organisers said the celebration aimed to strengthen unity under new leadership while preserving the cultural identity of the Uma Kayan Long Amo community for future generations.

The Do Ledoh celebration reflects the continued importance of indigenous traditions in maintaining social cohesion and cultural continuity in rural communities in Belaga. — DayakDaily