The coming Gawai Dayak will observe five events organized by the host for 2024, the Bidayuh community.
According to an article by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the five events would centre around the culture and traditions of the Dayak community in Sarawak.
The first event will be held at MJC Batu Kawa from 16 – 26 May. This event, known as the Gawai Bazaar will consist of stores which aim to not only highlight Dayak cuture and items, but also help the community earn some extra income.
The second event is the Bau Gawai Carnival which will begin from 16 May to 18 May.
During this event, traditional dances as well as performances will be the highlights.
Aside from that, there would also be a parade from Dewan Suarah bau to Lobuh Bau on 18 May 2024.
The third event would be the Serian Division Gawai Carnival which will happen in Siburan from 6 to 8 June 2024.
Among the highlights would be the ‘Dayung Sangon’ and ‘ Dari Pongan’ beauty paegent, and a Gond Playing Competition for the Bidayuh’s hailing from Serian, Padawan, Bau and Lundu.
The fourth event will be the Gawai Parade or ‘Niti Daun’ which will see contigents from different races and ethnics walking from Tun Jugah to Padang Merdeka on 15 June.
The parade will also include decorated floats.
The last event will be the Gawai Gala Dinner which will be held in the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). The dinner will be the final event for Gawai Dayak and serves as the closing of the celebrations.
In case you didn’t know, Gawai Dayak is the biggest celebration in Sarawak and is officially celebrated on June 1st and 2nd. Read the Gawai Dayak article to learn more.
You can also get yourself all dressed up for Gawai by buying traditional Dayak attire.
