Students parade in traditional costumes in the Kumang contest.
Unimas sit around the ranyai in the ruai of a booth.
Beautiful ladies dressed in traditional costumes enjoy the food.
Mohamad Kadim (second left) samples traditional delicacies accompanied by senior staff and guests.
Mohamad Kadim (left) pops balloons with a blowpipe to launch the event. — Photos by Jeffery Mostapa
KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) held a vibrant and colourful Ngabang Gawai 2015 yesterday.
The event showcased Dayak culture and traditions through food, performances, music and other activities.
Unimas staff and other invited guests visited booths manned by different departments along the theme of an open house with elements of a traditional longhouse in design and decor.
The objective was to enable the 2,178 Unimas staff, especially the 83 international staff members, the opportunity to appreciate and experience the traditions and customs of Gawai Dayak.
“This celebration is a great avenue for people in the Unimas community to forge closer ties with one another,” said Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi.
“Gawai Dayak is a traditional celebration that symbolises the unity, aspirations and hopes of the diverse Dayak community – the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Murut, Lun Bawang, Kenyah, Kelabit, Kayan and Penan.”
The celebration also featured a Kumang and Keling Contest, Ngajat Ngetas Ranyai, Best Booth Competition, miring ceremony, Ngiling Tikai ceremony and various cultural performances.