Learning the traditions and celebrating the biggest festival in Sabah and Sarawak
Our country Malaysia is blessed with cultural diversity – we boast a multitude of festivals that celebrate the diversity in our society. After Hari Raya, in the month of May and June, it is Sabah and Sarawak’s turn to burst with festivities as they prepare and celebrate their respective harvest festivals – Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai. These two harvest festivals are deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting the importance of cultural traditions in fostering relations among relatives and our wider community as well as the shared human experience of gratitude and celebration. In the spirit of our multiculturalism, let’s get to know these harvest festivals!
The Basics of the harvest festival in Malaysia
Let’s start with the basics. Pesta Kaamatan officially takes place every year on 30 – 31 May and is celebrated by the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus people of Sabah. Meanwhile, Hari Gawai takes place on 1-2 June annually and is celebrated by the Dayak community in Sarawak, especially Iban and Bidayuh. Both festivities mark the end of the rice harvesting season in respective places. Despite originating from different ethnic groups, these festivals share striking similarities in their rituals, customs, and significance. You may also recognise similar customs that are practiced by your family as we explore the harvest festivals.
A celebration steep in tradition
Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. Traditional attire, such as the wonderful costumes worn during Sumazau dance performances in Pesta Kaamatan or the intricate beadwork and weaving displayed during the Gawai Dayak celebrations, serves as a testament to the rich artistic traditions passed down through generations. In fact, during Gawai celebrations, there is a specific tradition called ‘betusut’ where the elders of the family introduce the young generation to each and every family member who are present, thus ensuring the continuity of the family bond as well as traditions.
- The traditional dance
The Sumazau and Ngajat dances are performed at Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai respectively as an expression of gratitude for a successful harvest. The Sumazau dance, created by Sabahan farmers, uniquely mimics the movements of the eagles in flight. While the captivating dance of Ngajat is typically performed at festivities. In the old days, the dance was performed to celebrate victory or the return of Iban warriors from wars.
- Beauty contest
Unduk Ngadau marks the peak of Pesta Kaamatan – a beauty pageant that seeks the young lady that best embodies characteristics of Huminodun, possessing the total beauty of the heart, mind, and soul who also understands and represents the uniqueness of their own culture.
But did you know that Hari Gawai also has a beauty pageant contest? Every year the competition is held in search of the Kumang Gawai (ladies) and Keling Gawai (men) who possess not only good looks but also well-versed in their own customs and traditions.
- The feast
No festivity in Malaysia is complete without a feast of traditional food. Among the highlights are dishes like hinava and bosou, popular in Pesta Kaamatan celebrations, featuring marinated raw fish mixed with local herbs and spices. In Hari Gawai festivities, specialties like manok pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo with tapioca leaves) and penganan jala (kuih sarang semut) a traditional kuih made from rice flour, are eagerly enjoyed. These traditional delicacies not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as a testament to the culinary ingenuity passed down through generations, adding an extra layer of richness to the celebration of culture and harvest.
- Traditional games
Traditional games play an integral role in the festivities of the harvest festival, adding an element of fun and camaraderie to the celebrations. In Pesta Kaamatan, games like mipulos (arm wrestling), monopuk (blow piping) and migayat lukuh (tug of war) keep the family members and guests engaged throughout the festivities. Meanwhile, Hari Gawai features batak lampung, a game where two players sit on the ground and compete by pulling on a piece of wood. This traditional sport is commonly seen at the longhouses of Sarawak during the festivities.
Unity in Diversity
Beyond celebrating their own cultural heritage, these festivals also embrace diversity and inclusivity. In modern Malaysia, Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai have become occasions for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn about each other’s traditions, and celebrate the nation’s multicultural identity – much like any other major festivities in Malaysia such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas. It is not uncommon to see Malays, Chinese, Indians, and people of various ethnicities joining in the festivities, enjoying traditional delicacies, and participating in cultural activities.
In celebrating Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai, we not only honour the past but also pave the way for a future where cultural diversity is celebrated, respected, and cherished by all. The festivals epitomise the beauty of Malaysia’s cultural mosaic, where diverse ethnicities and traditions coexist harmoniously. They remind us that despite our differences, we are united by our shared humanity and experiences of gratitude and celebration. Let us cherish and preserve these cultural legacies, using them to inspire greater understanding and harmony in our society.
Ouch! wishes you kotobian tadau tagazo do kaamatan and gaya guru gerai nyamai!
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Disclaimer:
The information in our blog articles and provided by our brand ambassadors/ KOLs is for general insights only and not legally binding. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the information’s completeness or reliability. For legal matters, consult official documents or contact an authorised Ouch! representative.