As the calendar flips to June, all roads lead home for the Dayak community as Sarawak gears up for Gawai Dayak 2025 — a celebration of heritage, unity, and returning to one’s roots. This year’s festivities promise to be a full cultural experience, blending time-honoured traditions with modern energy.
Whether you’re a local, a balik kampung kid, or a visitor looking to catch good vibes and great food, Gawai 2025 is the place to be.
What Is Gawai Dayak?
Gawai Dayak is the annual harvest festival celebrated by the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities in Sarawak. It officially became a public holiday in 1965, but the traditions stretch back generations.
“Gawai” means festival, and for the Dayak people, this is more than just a party — it’s a spiritual, cultural, and family affair. It’s about giving thanks for the year’s harvest, praying for a better one, and reconnecting with tradition in a world that’s moving fast.
Why Everyone Comes Home for Gawai
For many Dayaks who live and work outside their hometowns, Gawai is the one time of year where “balik kampung” hits different. It’s not just a visit. It’s a return to identity, culture, and family.
What’s Happening at Gawai Dayak 2025
This year’s theme, “Segulai Sejalai” (Together in Unity), sets the tone for a month full of celebration. Hosted by the Orang Ulu community, here’s what you can look forward to: (source: Dayak Daily)
- Gawai Bazaar @ MJC Batu Kawa (May 15–25)
-Over 180 stalls serving up authentic Sarawakian food, crafts, and fashion. It's the perfect spot to eat, shop, and support local.
-Here are some moments captured during the bazaar
- Gawai Open House @ BCKK(June 1)
This open house celebration welcomes everyone — locals, tourists, and all Malaysians (source: Utusan Borneo)
- Cultural Carnival @ Miri (June 12–13)
Expect traditional games, music, and dance — basically, a crash course in Dayak culture in the most fun way possible.
- Gawai Parade @ Kuching Waterfront (June 21)
A full-on cultural runway with traditional attire, drums, and vibrant performances. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely.
- Gawai Grand Dinner @ BCCK (June 22)
Highlight of the event -a grand dinner attended by PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak’s Governor, featuring performances and speeches to honour the culture.
- Cultural Coffee Table Book Launch
A beautifully curated book celebrating the heritage of the Dayak people. High chance this will become a collector’s item.
Gawai Dayak: A Celebration for All
While rooted in Dayak tradition, Gawai is open to everyone. It’s a time for communities to come together, learn from each other, and celebrate what makes Sarawak so uniquely diverse.
So whether you’re a Dayak returning to your longhouse, a tourist eager to experience something real, or just someone chasing authentic vibes — Gawai Dayak 2025 is calling.
“Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai”
(Long life, wisdom, good health, and prosperity)
This Gawai, come home. Come celebrate. Come connect.
More info and sources:
- Utusan Borneo – State-level Gawai celebration preview
- Suara Sarawak - PM Dijadual Hadiri Majlis Makan Malam Sambutan Gawai Dayak 2025
- The Borneo Post - Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 returns with 180 stalls, cultural festivities
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