Gawai Dayak

The Gawai Dayak festival in Sarawak, Malaysia is actually a celebration of good harvest. Classified under the Dayak, the Iban, Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu communities celebrate this festival to give thanks to the gods for the good monsoon resulting in a plentiful harvest. This festival brings along all the members of these communities who eat, drink and dance together.

The festivities start right from the end of May and continue till the middle of July. Clothed in the traditional dress, everyone takes part in the various cultural functions. The elders however perform the traditional rituals. There are ample food and drink on offer for everybody. Tuak, wine (made from rice) and a wide variety of other food items are served.

The Gawai Dayak festival of Malaysia is not only celebrated in big cities and towns only. Rather this festival is celebrated all over the country including the interior most parts of this diverse country. In rural areas, the hospitable villagers invite guests to taste tuak and eat at all the houses. Music and dancing forms a major part of this festival and adds liveliness to this already colorful festival.