Manyin (seated fourth right), flanked by Ik pahon (on his right) and Senorita, and other members of the working committee in a photocall after the meeting.
KUCHING: This year’s state-level Gawai Dayak celebrations hosted by the Bidayuh community will see inclusion of activities in support of Visit Sarawak Campaign.
They include ‘Authentic Gawai’ events at several villages showcasing Gawai-related traditions unique to the community.
It will be held at Annah Rais for the Padawan/Penrissen area on May 31, Pueh (Lundu) on June 2, Serikin (Bau) on June 21 and Pichin (Serian) on June 29.
These events are expected to attract tourists and generate business opportunities for homestays in those areas.
“This year’s state-level Gawai Dayak will be different,” said Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin when chairing the second meeting of the celebration’s working committee last Friday evening.
Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, a political secretary to chief minister Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (Forum) deputy president Ipoi Datan and Dayak Cultural Foundation ( DCF) manager Datin Senorita Linang were among those who attended the meeting.
Manyin also said a Gawai Dayak dinner would be held at Imperial Hotel on June 15, with the guests-of-honour being the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.
Also invited are Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, deputy chief ministers and cabinet ministers.
There will also be Gawai Dayak bazaar and exhibition at Imperial Hotel before the dinner on June 15.
“There will be traditional welcome for the guests-of honour, and the dinner will also see performances from local singers representing Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a parade of kumangs and kelings from the respective communities and a cultural showcase based on this year’s theme – ‘Together We Move Forward’,” he said.
The closing ceremony would be held in the evening of June 29 at Awah Gawai Kampung Pichin where Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is invited to officiate.
The symbolic passing of the baton to next year’s host Orang Ulu community will also be held at that event, he added.
The Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities take turns to host the state-level Gawai Dayak celebrations.