KUCHING: Gawai is a true reflection of Dayak culture and racial identity.
Bung Bratak Heritage Centre chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the festive season is a significant component of the Dayak’s history and heritage.
He said this explains why some urban Ibans make great efforts and spend hours, even days, to return and travel to their remote longhouses throughout Sarawak.
“No matter how good their town life is, the Ibans, Bidayuhs, the Orang Ulus and other indigenous community celebrating will return to their longhouses or villages this month just to be with their families and friends.
“It is all in the mind … that as long as you call yourself a Dayak, joining your longhouse and village folk during Gawai is a must, it is an obligation, almost religiously,” he said.
He added that Gawai is a big thing to the Dayak people, a celebration that connects with their rice planting past.
Minos said it is about heritage, history, customs and traditions that have been observed by generations, and also a celebration that gives identity, pride and dignity to the Dayak people.
“A Bidayuh friend of mine put it nicely by saying that, ‘Gawai gives me pride and happiness in calling myself a Bidayuh.’ I cannot argue with that.”
