Gawai Dayak is a festival celebrated by Dayaks in Sarawak and West Kalimantan which is officially public holidays on 31 May and 1 June every year in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is both a religious and social occasion. The word Gawai means a ritual or festival whereas Dayak is a collective name for the native ethnic groups of Sarawak and neighboring Indonesian Kalimantan who are the Iban also known previously asSea Dayak and the Bidayuh people also known as Land Dayak and the Orang Ulu (inclusive of Kayans, Kenyahs, Lun Bawangs, etc.). Thus, Gawai Dayak literally means "Dayak Festival". The Dayaks are the indigenous people of Borneo. Dayak would visit their friends and relatives on this day. Such visit is more commonly known as "ngabang" . First of all, tuak (rice wain) which is the traditional drink of Dayaks is brewed at least one month before the celebration . During this procession, a beauty pageant to choose the festival's queen and king (kumang gawai and bujang pogan in bidauh language ) is sometimes conducted based on completeness of traditional costume and of course a bit of beauty and handsomeness.
This pictures is based on our art and design of cultures at REDEEMS CENTRE .In urban areas, Dayaks will organise gatherings at community centres or restaurants to celebrate the evening just like in the longhouses. Nowadays, a pre-gawai celebration is common before those Dayaks going home for the actual gawai celebration with their family in the longhouse or village. It is considered time for family reunion once a year. A karaoke session may be made available while singing and joget-dancing to the Dayak modern native songs. It is time to show some talents!
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