MUKAH: A rich showcase of culture and tradition has drawn bigger crowds to Pesta Kaul here this year.
Sarawak Melanau Association president Tan Sri Dr Datuk Seri Muhamad Leo Toyad Abdullah said people came not only from Miri but from all over the state.
“During the Pesta Kaul, we introduced the ‘menyak’ activity which is a process of making sago flour, ‘mu’ui’ process or sago making process, weaving, ‘dakan’ exhibition and ‘petului pakan berian’ which is a marital custom which was put on display at the festival.
“Before the Pesta Kaul was held, there was a kaul ritual that took place on March 11 called the ‘Kaul Seraheng Kakan,” he said at the launch of Pesta Kaul on Saturday (April 29) here.
Toyad said the importance of the ritual held last month was to request blessings from the ‘ipok’ by offering food for peace throughout the Pesta Kaul period.
“I would like to thank Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who launched the festival for supporting the programmes held by the association.
“I hope that Pesta Kaul will continue because it is synonymous with the Melanau community,” he said.
He added that Pesta Kaul is one of the efforts to preserve and promote Melanau culture and tradition.
Also present at the event were Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Mukah, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
