Traditional Iban arts enthusiasts and memento hunters will be thrilled to know that the Gawai Dayak Bazaar at MJC Batu Kawah has some stalls selling ‘Baju Burung’, among other cultural trinkets.
Traditional dance shows are among the entertainment line-up during the Gawai Dayak Bazaar at MJC Batu Kawah from now till May 22.
KUCHING: Those yearning for authentic Dayak cuisines will be spoilt for choice at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar at Batu Kawah Township (MJC) here, opening from now till May 22.
The bazaar — run by Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) in collaboration with Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Batu Kawah Township Ownership Association, Dayak Music Association (DMA), Bidayuh Music Association (BMA), Ngajat Iban Association and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) — houses more than 60 stalls that feature the best of Dayak culinary offerings such as ‘manok pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), smoked pork, ‘ikan salai’ (smoked fish) cooked with ‘Terung Dayak’ (sour brinjals) as well as a smorgasbord of delectable barbequed items.
According to GADS publicity officer Patricia Judin, there are also stalls selling Dayak handicrafts, Dayak costumes such as the Iban’s ‘Baju Burung’ (vest), Dayak musical instruments such as the ‘tawak’ and ‘bebandai’.
“There are also books available for sale. They touch on many Dayak topics, such as on customs and traditions, the biographies of Dayak leaders, ‘ensera’ (folklores), cartoons and other related issues,” she said yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is expected to visit the bazaar this May 6, in which he may be accompanied by Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Batu Kawah, Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu has been invited to officially open the bazaar on May 14.
Other prominent politicians expected to visit the Gawai Dayak Bazaar are Tan Sri William Mawan on May 21, and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing on May 22 — who is also expected to perform the closing of the bazaar.
Plans are being made to hold a parade of ‘Dayak Warriors and Maidens’ in full traditional costumes to commemorate the closing of the bazaar on that day.
For further enquiries about the Gawai Dayak Bazaar, call Tajem Sinok at 019-8783259.