Gawai Dayak is annually celebrated on June 1 and 2. The Dayak people of Sarawak, Malaysia, and West Kalimantan, Indonesia, hold an annual celebration. If you’re curious about the meaning of the name “Gawai Dayak,” don’t strain your intellect too much! ‘Gawai’ means ‘festival’ and ‘Dayak’ refers to the indigenous people of Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan, and the interior of Borneo. It is one of the most anticipated and thrilling events in these regions. How is Gawai Dayak celebrated, and what is the cultural and religious significance of the festival? Here is all the information you need about Gawai Dayak.
The background of Gawai Dayak
Gawai Dayak signifies the conclusion of harvesting. The purpose of the celebration is to honour and revere the labour involved in harvesting. For example, it takes about four to five months to cultivate a grain of rice, yet we rarely consider its significance. The festival also symbolises the cohesion, aspiration, and optimism of numerous ethnic groups, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kelabit, and Murut.
The Dawak people make elaborate preparations for the festival. In the days preceding the event, everyone will be busy cleaning, visiting graves, drying paddy, refining and collecting grain, and preparing food. Both men and women can don the traditional costume known as nigepan. The party will not begin until someone rings the gong at the stroke of midnight on June 1 to summon the guests to attention. Everyone will be led by the festival’s leader to consume Tuak, a locally brewed rice liquor, for longevity.
Everyone will wish one another “gayu-guru, gerai-nyami,” which translates to “long life, health, and prosperity,” and the celebration will become less formal as people dance to traditional music and others recite ‘pantuns,’ or poems. The festivities differ from location to location. In May, towns and villages hold pre-Gawai Dayak celebrations prior to the advent of city dwellers.
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GAWAI DAYAK ACTIVITIES
Join in the festivities
The finest way to celebrate Gawai Dayak is to participate in the festivities. This is your opportunity to organise a trip to Malaysia with family and friends to attend the festival.
Learn Ngajat
One of the incredible ways to commemorate Gawai Dayak is by learning Ngajat, the distinctive local dance. Learn the routines and rock them in honour of this special occasion.
Savour the sweets
Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival that features an abundance of wine, sweets, and other delights. Make space in your stomach for these delicious treats.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GAWAI DAYAK YOU MOST LIKELY DON’T KNOW
Tuak, the native rice liquor, is a significant tradition during the festival.
During the festival, desserts such as’sarang semut,’ ‘cuwan,’ ‘kui sepit,’ and ‘penganan iri’ are popular.
Male dancers donning large feathers will perform a unique performance called ‘Ngajat.’
Throughout the festival, a beauty contest is conducted to select the king and queen.
The festival also features cockfights and blowpipe competitions.
GAWAI DAYAK DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
