KUCHING: Cultural performances by various races in Sarawak were the highlight of the GawaI Open House organised by the state’s Dayak leaders at the Borneo Kuching Convention Centre, Saturday.
Guests of the open house, which lasted from 10am to 4pm, were greeted by Bidayuh ring ladies, who adorn their forearms and lower legs with bronze rings, and Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were guests of honour.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and his wife Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd Tahir, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and his wife Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Tian as well as federal government and Sarawak state ministers attended the event.
As minister in charge of the event, Uggah said around 7,000 guests attended this year’s Open House.
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Gawai Dayak is a Dayak community festival showing their gratitude following the rice harvest season and appreciation to their continued bounty and livelihood.
It is celebrated every June 1 and 2 in Sarawak, especially by the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu.
Dressed in traditional attire, attendees enjoyed a spread of local delicacies and were entertained by cultural performances from the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
“I can see that the guests are from all races and religions. They flocked here to show our unity, and the Dayak community is very pleased and honoured,” Uggah said.
“Sarawak is known for its religious and racial harmony, and this is part of the way for us to nourish this racial harmony,” he said. Uggah also called on the Dayaks to play their part in helping Sarawak to develop.
He said the Dayak community must participate in various development initiatives. Gawai is the harvest festival Sarawak’s Dayak community celebrated on June 1 and 2.
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