Gawai Dayak in Malaysia

Gawai Dayak is an annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, Malaysia, and West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The term "Gawai" means festival and "Dayak" is a collective name for the indigenous peoples of Borneo which includes the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit and Murut among others.

History:

The festival marks the end of the rice harvest season and serves as a time for rest after months of labor-intensive agricultural work. It was officially recognized and became a public holiday in Sarawak on 1 June 1965.

Traditions:

• Thanksgiving: Gawai Dayak starts on the evening of May 31st with a ceremonial offering known as "Muai Antu Rua," which is meant to cast away the spirit of greed.
• Rituals: The following day involves various rituals such as blessing rituals (miring) led by a shaman or elder. These rituals are intended to give thanks for the harvest and to invoke blessings for the next planting season.
• Dress: Participants don traditional costumes which are often colorful and elaborate.
• Food & Drink: Traditional foods are prepared including 'Pansuh' (meat cooked in bamboo) and glutinous rice wine called 'Tuak'.
• Music & Dance: There is also much singing, dancing ('ngajat'), and playing of traditional instruments like sapeh.
• House Visiting: Known as "ngabang", friends and family visit each other’s homes. This open house tradition fosters community spirit.

Gawai Dayak is not just a celebration but an important socio-cultural event that preserves Dayak culture through its rich traditions. It brings people together in appreciation of their heritage and promotes unity among different communities within East Malaysia.