What is Gawai Antu?

Gawai Antu is a festival celebrated by the Iban in Sarawak to commemorate the dead soul who has passed away since the last Gawai Antu feast.

Why Iban celebrate Gawai?

The holiday was first celebrated on 1 June 1965 and it became a symbol of unity, aspiration and hope for the Dayak community. It is an integral part of Dayak social life. It is a thanksgiving day marking a bountiful harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season or other endeavours ahead.

What do they do on Hari Gawai?

The Hari Gawai Festival is an annual celebration by the Dayak people of Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia. The festival was typically celebrated after the harvest season in April or May. The festival’s preparation usually began a month prior, with the elders brewing tuak, a ritual drink, and a parcel of Gawai.

Does melanau celebrate Gawai?

He said Melanaus do not celebrate Gawai but Kaul Festival. Unfortunately, the Kaul Festival is not widely known by non- Melanaus as it is not celebrated on the state level but more so locally only in Mukah on the right bank of the river estuary. The festival is celebrated in the third week of the month of April.

Is Gawai and Kaamatan the same?

Similar to Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak is also a harvest festival traditionally celebrated by the Dayak people. Gawai is a social and religious celebration held to give thanks to the Gods once the rice harvesting season is over.

How do you wish Hari Gawai?

Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Chelap Lindap Lantang Senang Nguan Menua!” Or Happy Gawai Dayak Day. (Wishing you) long life, health and comfort, no problems, no hardship and a prosperous life! Cheers!

What should I wear to a Gawai festival celebration?

Dressing Code. ‘NGEPAN’ is the traditional costume that is worn for welcoming guests to the houses on this day. Men wear drapes of animal skins also called as Gagong, loin cloth called cawat or sirat, crowns made of peacock feathers, necklaces, armlets and anklets.

Why is kaamatan important?

The Kaamatan Festival is thus celebrated to commemorate the “Greatest Love of all”, in that: “the Creator Couple (Kinoingan & Sumundu) so loved the Kadayans and their world that they sacrificed their only Daughter Ponompuan (Huminodun) in order to save them from annihilation due to severe drought and famine due to …

What do locals call the Kaamatan Festival?

Popular drinks during the festival are tapai and Kinomol, which is a traditional alak drink. Tapai is drunk from a small bamboo vessel known as a sumbiling or from special glasses called singgarung, likewise made from bamboo….

Who takes kaamatan?

Popular drinks during the festival are tapai and Kinomol, which is a traditional alak drink. Tapai is drunk from a small bamboo vessel known as a sumbiling or from special glasses called singgarung, likewise made from bamboo….

Why do we celebrate kaamatan?

Is Kadazan a Malay?

Indigenous status Being indigenous to Sabah and a part of Malaysia, Kadazans are conferred the same political, educational and economic rights as the predominant Malay population of Malaysia.