Gawai Celebration 2009

The backdrop on the stage

The indigenous people of Sarawak or the Dayaks are so rich in diversity and culture, and today, we showcased the beautiful colours of the Dayaks at the school-level Gawai Celebration. It is a cultural event which is held every year, for the past 3 years.

Gawai or the Harvest Festival is celebrated exclusively in Sarawak by the indigenous people, to thank the Gods for a plentiful paddy harvest for the year. In Sarawak, Gawai is celebrated officially on 01 June every year.

This morning, lessons in the classroom were halted, and a different kind of learning took place. The whole school learned more about indigenous cultures of various ethnic groups in Sarawak. The students learned to be proud of their cultural identities. They learned to value similarities and appreciate differences. They learned to value each other. They learned to respect each other.

Students donned their costumes, representing the major ethnic groups of Sarawak, namely the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and Orang Ulu. The women's attire, some heavily beaded and sequinned, were really beautiful and striking. A full regalia is complete with elaborate headgear, and colourful beaded jewellery. The students did a fashion show of their costumes.

Students in their ethnic costumes

The school was entertained the traditional music and dances. I just love listening to the hypnotic rhythms of the tabuh, and of course, there's the melodious tunes played on the sape. I also love all varieties of the ngajat dances, the ladies ever so graceful, and the men portraying the fierce warriors their forefathers once were.

Other activities were sketches depicting the paddy planting process, and singing.

Decorations in ethnic motifs

More decorations

Today's lesson in indigenous culture is more powerful than any teaching and learning in the classroom. It taught us the value of being who we are.

Gayu guru gerai nyamai.