TODAY...THE GAWAI FESTIVAL

Types of Gawai

The Ibans has many festivals called 'Gawai'. These different 'Gawai's are known as 'Gawai Kenyalang' (hornbill festival), 'Gawai Antu' (festival for the dead) and 'Gawai Dayak' (harvesting festival).During such festivals, besides the customary observance of ritual, there is usually a lot of drinking of the locally brewed rice wine called tuak, much merriment and dancing called ngajat and displays of elaborate traditional costumes.

Gawai Festival

A harvest festival celebrated by the state's indigenous people,particularly the Ibans and Dayaks, in their traditional costumes.It features ceremonial offerings of various local traditional delicacies and tuak - home made rice wine, to the gods of rice and prosperity. This unique festivity is a must see for local and foreign tourists alike.

First celebrated on 1st June 1965, it is the feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals, traditional music, cock fighting, feasting and games. It is simply a time for merrymaking.

The Gawai festival has always been one of the celebrated festivals in Sarawak. Its origins goes back to the folklore that tells of the adventure of men travelling to the world of the gods and spirits with an invitation to join in a feast, then oftheir subsequent journey to the world of mortals. It is generally believed thatGawai is being held when one is persuaded by the gods to do so in his dream. After performing this Gawai ceremony, one's life and the lives of all those who have been touched by the celebration will be blessed - so it is believed!

First celebrated on 1st June 1965, it is the feast for the eyes with its colourful rituals,traditional music, cock fighting, feasting and games. It is simply a time for merrymaking

That is the origin of Gawai from a mystical point of view. But on a more down-to-earth way of seeing it, Gawai festival is the celebration of the end of harvesting season andthe start of a new farming season. Today, throughout Sarawak, the Dayak community celebrate Gawai in their villages and urban homes with open invitation, sharing the finest of their hospitality with the other communities.

Tuak (rice wine) and an array of traditional food are generously served. Widespread celebrations are held not only in the main cities and towns but also in the interior settlements. Gawai is an occasion for parties, fun and games, processions and open houses. In remote villages, guests are expectedto taste tuak and eat at each household. Music and dancing usually follow suit.
As another highlight of the night, an ethnic beauty pageant will also be held as a sign of recognition to beautiful and intellectual women. With the gracious sponsorship from Unilever who has the Fair & Lovely whitening facial cream under its wing, the organizers are looking for a maiden who possess grace, pose and charm, articulate witha good knowledge of Sarawak's beautiful culture and heritage. She must be, in short, a woman of substance.

Tuak

Tuak is a special rice wine. It is a drink for all occasions, be it Gawai,weddings or entertaining visitors. It is generally served during any sort of entertainment or festivities. When you arrive at any longhouse during the festival,the occupants will offer you tuak as a welcoming drink. It used to offend the occupantsif visitors refuse the offering but now the host is more understanding as some religion like Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol of any sort.

Where to go

-The Skrang River (Iban Longhouse)

-The Lemanak River (Iban Longhouse)

-Batang Ai (Iban Longhouse)

-Annah Rais (Bidayuh Longhouse)