MIRI: The Gawai Dayak Bazaar which is back after a two-year absence will feature 70 small-time native traders selling various types of beverages and authentic Dayak food.
Organised by Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) the annual event began in 2015 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was halted for the past two years.
At its official launching on Saturday, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala commended GADS for putting together the 2022 edition of the Gawai Bazaar here.
Gerawat described the bazaar as a suitable platform for the Dayaks to interact and cultivate the spirit of friendship among the community and also with others.
“Many Dayaks who have migrated to cities such as Miri have adapted to the rhythm and way of life in the city because the social atmosphere and way of life in the city is very different from the longhouse … although our Dayak community who now live in town may not be as tightly knit together compared to those living in our longhouse, we must not lose or forget our community spirit which has kept us together over the years,” he said.
” It provides opportunities and space for small-time Dayak traders to promote and introduce their business and expand their network to the public,” he pointed out.
The bazaar which will run until May 21 is themed “Together For A Shared Future”.
“This Gawai Bazaar is part of the State level Gawai Festival which will take place on May 25 this year at BCCK Kuching, and the Orang Ulu community will be the host of the State -level Gawai Festival this time,”Gerawat disclosed.
Every year, the Dayak community consisting of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu take turns to be the host in the State Level Gawai Dayak Festival.
In support of the efforts of GADS in organising the Gawai Bazaar 2022 Gerawat announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant of RM15,000 while Deputy Minister of Tourism ,Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting pledged RM10,000; Pujut and Telang Usan assemblymen (Adam Yii and Dennis Ngau) each pledged RM5,000 and RM1,000 by Senator Dr Nuing Jeluing.
