Bidayuh culture showcased at MJC Batu Kawa's Gawai Bazaar 2025
KUCHING (May 22): Traditional dances and modern Bidayuh music were showcased during Bidayuh Gawai Night held in conjunction with the Gawai Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa last night.
Popular Serian band Wooden Gun and Lundu singer Rannee Pat brought the house down with their performances, which had the crowd dancing and singing along.
There were also traditional dances and music from different troupes representing the various Bidayuh sub-ethnic groups from Serian, Padawan/Penrissen, Bau, and Lundu.
There was also a special performance by the Semban Ring Ladies.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated at the event, praised the event for being a platform to showcase the Bidayuh community's rich cultural heritage.
He said the event was among the main activities for the Gawai Bazaar 2025, which is hosted and organised by the Orang Ulu community.
'The Bidayuh community through Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) is given a slot to organise this Gawai night, to showcase our rich cultural heritage.
'I hope those who come to this event will also support the food and handicraft vendors at this Gawai Bazaar by buying items from them,' said the DBNA advisor.
DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik helps Sagah to put on a 'tambok' basket containing rice. At third left is Gerawat.
Sagah and other distinguished guests also took part in the 'Bilamak' dance, traditionally performed to honour the paddy spirit, which was the finale for the traditional dance segment.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala – who is the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration organising chairman; Gawai Bazaar committee chairman Paulus Palu Gumbang; Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben; Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
The Iban community will hold their Gawai Night tonight, while the Orang Ulu community's slot is tomorrow night.
The closing of the Gawai Bazaar will be on Sunday, with Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom scheduled to officiate.
Wooden Gun members perform their hit songs including their latest 'Daari Gap' (Elegant Man). Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead MJC Batu Kawa Roland Sagah Wee Inn Wooden Gun
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
10 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Rainforest World Music Festival 2025: Connected with earth and love
When You Want More Than Just Loud Beats Let's be honest - if you've ever felt out of place at festivals like Coachella, you're not alone. Maybe the music sounds more like noise than soul. Maybe you're craving something... more. Something rooted. Something spiritual. Something that gives you goosebumps - not because the bass dropped, but because you felt the Earth respond. That's exactly what I found at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, Sarawak - a three-day celebration of global rhythms, sacred forests, and soulful connections. Immersed in Nature and Craft The first thing you'll notice is the location - this isn't your usual open-field fest. Tucked within the lush Sarawak Cultural Village, with Mount Santubong towering above and ancient rainforest all around, it feels like stepping into a living, breathing spirit world. And the marketplace? Oh, it's not just shopping - it's a cultural exchange. Tents lined the village walkways, each bursting with handmade goods from across Borneo and beyond. Think Indigenous beadwork, hand-forged bronze and copper jewellery, and natural beauty products featuring local stars like Sarawak's iconic black pepper. One of my favourite finds? A healing tea made from midin leaves, a wild fern beloved in local cuisine. And I couldn't resist grabbing an arm band from Peru - because yes, this festival attracts creators from around the globe. A Culinary Love Letter to Sarawak Let's talk food—because Rainforest Fest takes feasting seriously. There was ayam pansuh, a traditional Bidayuh dish where chicken is cooked inside bamboo, infusing it with earthy, smoky flavour. Next up? Itun sip, a lesser-known but deeply loved leaf used to wrap rice, similar to banana leaf but uniquely Sarawakian. Now, the desserts. Oh, the desserts. Ever tasted gelato made with Dabai nuts? You can only find them in this part of the world, and they deliver this rich, buttery flavour that lingers like a dream. Then came the pineapple black pepper sorbet—a sweet, spicy, and tangy burst of sunshine in a cup. On a sweltering afternoon, it was pure tropical alchemy. Rhythms That Reach the Soul By nightfall, the jungle lit up—both literally and emotionally. The music that fills this festival isn't your standard setlist. It's ancestral, global, and deeply transformational. Picture this: tribal chants blending with modern synths, bamboo flutes harmonising with electric guitars, yodelling echoing into the night sky. Every beat felt like it came from the earth itself. The crowd? Uninhibited. Joyful. Grounded. People weren't dancing for show—they were moving as if something ancient was waking up inside them. For me, the standout performance came from Otyken, a folk-pop group from Siberia. Their mix of shamanic vocals, tribal drums, and mesmerising visuals made it feel like the forest itself was performing with them. This year's theme, 'Connections: One Earth, One Love,' wasn't just a slogan—it was the essence of every performance, every conversation, every shared meal under the stars. Why You Need to Be Here in 2026 I came to Kuching curious. I left transformed. The Rainforest World Music Festival isn't just about music. It's about reconnecting—with nature, with culture, and with yourself. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, this festival is a sacred pause. Next year will bring new bands, new experiences, and more stories waiting to be told under the rainforest canopy. So if you're craving more than just another party, if you're yearning to feel the earth through rhythm, to be part of something bigger, older, and beautifully alive.. make your way to Sarawak. Disconnect to reconnect.
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian talents shine at world culinary challenge in Ipoh
Wee (fourth right) in a group photo with the outstanding chefs. KUCHING (July 1): Sarawakian talents brought pride to the state after clinching eight medals, including five golds, at the Second Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC) in Ipoh, Perak recently. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the chefs from Kuching proved that Sarawak's rich, multicultural flavours could stand tall among the world's best in the prestigious competition, which gathered nearly 800 entries from over 26 countries. 'I am proud to announce that our chefs brought home a total of eight medals: five golds, two silvers, and one bronze. 'Such victory reflects not only individual mastery, but also the strength of Sarawak's diverse food culture,' he said in a statement. Wee said Bidayuh chefs Iana Akam, Janncy Nyohim and Robbie Richard Balcarek won the 'Borneo Cuisine' category through their authentic, story-rich presentation. 'Chef Robbie also secured another gold medal for his 'Nasi Goreng Daun Ubi' (Fried Rice with Tapioca Leaves) – a dish deeply-rooted in Sarawakian flavours. 'The fifth gold medal was claimed by Wilson Voon for his Hakka noodle dish. 'The silver medals were earned by Annie Wee Nyuk Ping and Benny Huang, who showcased the living legacy of 'Kolo Mee' and Fuzhou cuisine, whereas Kim Bong's creative 'Kolo Mee with Wagyus, which reflected innovation grounded in tradition, bagged the bronze medal,' said the mayor. He said as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching continues to uphold the values of culinary heritage, sustainability, and cultural identity. 'Our chefs have demonstrated that through storytelling, skills and authenticity, our local cuisines can resonate with international audiences,' he said, while congratulating the chefs for carrying Kuching's gastronomic spirit to new heights and also for making Sarawak proud. Organised by the Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA) in collaboration with the Global Chef Union (GCU), MCWC had the chefs competing in 65 categorie,s which were judged by 115 professionals. The world-class platform for culinary excellence, innovation and heritage was also supported by Tourism Perak, the National Archives of Malaysia, Ipoh City Council, and the Perak State Development Corporation.
The Star
25-06-2025
- The Star
‘Birarak' and Bidayuh pride
Simon (second from right) and Johannes (right) greeting the parade participants. KAMPUNG Taee, a Bidayuh village near Serian in Sarawak, came alive in a vibrant spectacle of culture, heritage and unity at its annual Gawai parade. Known as 'Birarak', the 5km parade took place on June 1 as Sarawak's Dayak community – comprising the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu – celebrated the Gawai harvest festival. The annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee was a colourful showcase of Bidayuh culture. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums. Among them were 14 Bidayuh beauty queens in traditional costumes, symbolising the grace and elegance of their cultural heritage, as well as a number of participants in warrior regalia. Parade participants performing a traditional dance along the route. Households along the route greeted the parade with enthusiasm, offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality. 'This is the 55th time that the parade has taken place since 1970,' organising chairman Johannes Ridu said. Parade participants chatting with a visitor during the Gawai celebration at Kampung Taee. 'We hold it to celebrate the harvest festival every year and to thank the Almighty for a bountiful harvest for Kampung Taee.' Participants in warrior regalia walking along the parade route through Kampung Taee. Altogether some 3,000 people joined the festivities, including visitors and foreign tourists. Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang, who was the guest of honour, said the strong turnout reflected the community's pride in their heritage. Households along the route offering traditional snacks and drinks to the participants in a spirit of communal hospitality. He said the presence of many visitors also showcased Sarawak's unity in diversity. 'Gawai is a festival we all look forward to every year, not only by the Dayaks. If you look around, we have people from all races coming here to celebrate. Elly took part in the parade to promote her Bidayuh heritage. 'This is something unique to Sarawak. Although we come from different races and religions, we can gather during Gawai to celebrate together,' he said. Simon also said Sarawakians are known for their friendliness and hospitality in welcoming guests to their festive celebrations. Dressed in traditional finery, the participants made their way through the village, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums. 'We welcome everyone to enjoy the Gawai celebration throughout Sarawak,' he added. Elly Eugenia Gavin, one of the beauty queens in the parade, took pride in the opportunity to promote her Bidayuh heritage. Bidayuh warriors performing a traditional dance. The 23-year-old student said the parade is a way to introduce Bidayuh culture to a wider audience beyond Sarawak. 'By taking part in the parade, I get to showcase my Bidayuh traditional attire, which I believe can attract the interest of tourists. Villagers getting ready for the annual Gawai parade at Kampung Taee.- ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'The younger generation like myself can also use social media to promote awareness and appreciation of our culture and traditions,' she said. Japanese visitor Yushi Itagaki, who attended the parade with his mother Sachiyo, said they enjoyed their first experience of the event. Villagers performing a traditional dance during the Gawai parade. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star 'I can see a lot of local culture here,' he said. Sachiyo said that they missed last year's parade as they went to Kampung Taee on June 2. 'They told us to come on June 1 this year so that we won't miss it again. It's very exciting to be here watching the parade,' she said.
