MIRI : Twelve teams have signed up for a ‘Bermukun’ competition organised by Pustaka Negeri Miri as its highlight for the fourth Sarawakiana Carnival.
They will be contending on 5 May to secure a spot for the finals which will be held the next day.
‘Bermukun’ is the traditional Sarawak Malay metrical verses and lively dance.
It is a performance that is held during special occasions such as weddings and gatherings.
This year, there will be two categories such as Adults and Youths (18 years old and below).
For adults, each team comprises four persons who will be doing both the ‘tandak’ (dance) and ‘bergendang’ (drum beating) where else youths category consists of two persons who will compete in the ‘tandak’ showdown against the appointed ‘makgendang’.
Members of the public are invited to witness the competition, particularly the younger generation as to give them exposure to the unique and beautiful traditional performance.
As for the carnival, it will be held from 5 to 7 May.
It is organised in collaboration with Miri City Council (MCC) as to commemorate Miri City’s 12th Anniversary and Miri May Fest 2017.
The carnival, which aims to create awareness and promote the cultures and heritage of Sarawak, will be held throughout the three days starting as early as 8.00am in and around the library’s vicinity.
Among the many activities that have been planned for the carnival are Exhibition on ‘Memories of Miri City’, Exhibition & Sale of Sarawak Handicrafts, Workshop on Making Traditional Delicacies: Celorot&Serabei, BaramSape Master Demonstration, Oral History: Tekna’ Singing and Ethnic Traditional Food Cooking Demonstration Sessions.
Apart from ‘Bermukun’ competition, there will be competitions held for KayanTekna’ traditional singing, yesteryears games and sports, youth traditional talentime as well as Sarawak traditional cooking and dish arrangement.
Throughout the carnival, there will be food, products and services booths as well which will feature some twenty cottage industry entrepreneurs.
The official opening of the carnival will be held on 6 Mayat 7.30pm.
Piasau assemblyman Dato’ Sebastian Ting is expected to grace the event, which will be highlighted with the finals of the Bermukun competition.
Those who are interested to participate may get in touch with the organisers at telephone 085-422525 (Ahmad Samsudin / AwangYunosAwang Husain).
One may also visit Pustaka’s website www.pustaka-sarawak.com and social media (Facebook pustaka.sarawak | Instagrampustakaswk) for updates.
