KUCHING: The Bidayuh community will organise five main events to further liven up the celebration of the state level Gawai Dayak 2024.
Kuching Division Bidayuh Temenggong Atok Dirop said that as Bidayuh community is the host this year, these five events are designated as platforms to showcase the culture and heritage of the Dayak community in the state, thereby contributing to economic stimulation.
“The first event to kick off the celebration is the ‘Gawai Bazaar’, a large-scale festival held at MJC Batu Kawa from May 16 to 26.
“We will provide various open stalls to all communities to provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs to generate income,” he said in an interview with Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) recently.
Meanwhile, he said the second event is the ‘Bau Gawai Carnival’, which will also commence on May 16 and end on May 18.
“Throughout the three days, we will organise events featuring cultural performances and gong-playing.
“We will also have a parade from Bau Civi Centre to Lobuh Bau. All contingents will enjoy the cuisine sold by stall owners at Lobuh Bau on May 18,” he explained.
Atok added that the third event, ‘Serian Division Gawai Carnival’, will be held from June 6 to 8 in the Siburan district.
“We will make a slight difference because we will hold the Dayung Sangon and Dari Pogan competition besides a special gong-playing competition for the Bidayuh community from Serian, Padawan, Bau, and Lundu,” he said.
Furthermore, the fourth event is the statewide ‘Gawai Parade’ or ‘Niti Daun’, which will be held on June 15, starting from Tun Jugah Building to Padang Merdeka here.
“This parade will involve contingents from various districts and divisions as in previous years, including decorated vehicles that will further enhance the atmosphere around Kuching city,” he added.
As for the closing event, Atok said it will be the ‘Gawai Gala Dinner’ at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on June 22, which will also mark the end of the celebration of state level Gawai Dayak 2024.
“I have been assigned to create an opening gimmick for the dinner, and I will use a drum or what we call ‘sebang’ to further enliven the atmosphere on that evening,” he said.
Therefore, he hoped that these five events would proceed smoothly while becoming a valuable and prideful celebration for the Bidayuh community and the entire Sarawak society.
