1,000 throng Manyin’s Gawai Dayak open house

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Manyin and Ik Pahon (sixth right) leading the guests to a Gawai toast.

Manyin and Ik Pahon (sixth right) leading the guests to a Gawai toast.

Manyin (centre) and his wife Datin Sri Mary (third right) with a group led by PBB Tebedu vice chairman Dr Simon Sindang Bada (third left).

Manyin (centre) and his wife Datin Sri Mary (third right) with a group led by PBB Tebedu vice chairman Dr Simon Sindang Bada (third left).

Guests from Kampung Mantung Merau playing the gongs to entertain other visitors.

Guests from Kampung Mantung Merau playing the gongs to entertain other visitors.

Teenage girls from Kampung Taee performing a traditional dance.

Teenage girls from Kampung Taee performing a traditional dance.

Some of the guests catching up with one another at the gathering.

Some of the guests catching up with one another at the gathering.

Visitors enjoying the food.

Visitors enjoying the food.

SERIAN: The occasional spells of rain did not deter more than 1,000 people from visiting Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong’s Gawai Dayak open house at Kampung Pichin here on Sunday.

By noon, Manyin’s house was packed with guests from all walks of life, and they were treated to an array of dishes ranging from authentic Dayak traditional dishes to those from other communities.

The open house gave Manyin to touch base with the people in his capacity as Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication, Tebedu assemblyman, and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) chief advisor.

The merriment continued until evening as guests kept coming. Some of them took the chance to play the gong to entertain others with Bidayuh traditional
music.

There was also a special performance by a cultural troupe from Kampung Taee, who came with a delegation from the village.

Among those who visited Manyin were Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, PBB Tebedu deputy chief John David Nyauh, Serian district officer Sinde Mulling, Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok and veteran politician Dato Sri Dominic Dagok.

There was also a delegation from DBNA, led by its president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and vice presidents Joseph Jindy and Charlie Ungang. Bidayuh Musicians and Artistes Association president Dr Alim Impira attended as well.