Bandar Seri Begawan - Most of the Dayak communities residing in the Sultanate will be going back to their hometown for "Gawai Dayak" celebration. Gawai Festival is the celebration of the end of the harvesting season and the start of new farming season.
The celebration falls on June 1 and the night of May 31 each year.
Nowadays, the Dayak community of Sarawak celebrates Gawai in their villages and urban homes with open houses like those practiced by the others communities.
Dayak communities comprise of various ethnic races; Iban -which is the largest group- Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu. There are various other ethnic races under the Orang Ulu, which includes Kenyah, Kayan, and so on.
The highlight of the celebration includes performance of `Ngajat" (Dayak traditional warrior dance), `Kumang and Keling (Harvest King and Queen Contest) and the showcases of the Dayak `Pua Kumbu` (traditional handmade blanket) and handicrafts produce by the community.
For those Dayaks from neighbouring state who were given a green light (leave approval) from their respective employers to go back for the celebration, they had an early pre-Gawai celebration with friend and colleagues in Brunei. Most made sure their cars are in tip-top condition for the long drive home.
Source: www.brunei-online.com - Achong Tanjong (26 Mei 2008)
