Its been a long time I have not updated my blog...
Selamat Ari Gawai, Silamat Ngintu Andu Gawai.. Gawai’s
greeting in Iban and Bidayuh language, and both have the same meaning. The
slogan for Gawai is Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai.
Gawai
is celebrated by Iban and Bidayuh ethnic in Sarawak and falls on 1st
of June every year. Before 1960s (I guess) the Iban/Bidayuh celebrate Gawai did
not use the date of 1st June, the date differ from one village to
another village. Gawai in the olden days are more on ritual and offering as
most of the Iban/Bidayuh are pagan/non-Christian (or animisme). Gawai also celebrated by some our fellow Dayaks at West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Now for
example my village perform a prayer (Christian) from one house to another house
as replacement to the old tradition of Gawai ritual that has link with pagan
practice.
Every
year is my family practice to go back to Serian (my grandparents’ house) to
celebrate Gawai. On the 2nd day of Gawai we always go back to our
original village at Kampung Bidak Mawang (halfway to Mongkos). Although I am
Melanau, but most of my blood is Bidayuh, and I only can speak Bidayuh (Sadong/Serian
dialect) but not Melanau.Sorry..
My Gawai
ngabang’s route : Kpg Riih Daso – Kpg Tangga – Kpg Sungan – Kpg Temong (Tebedu)
– Kpg Bidak Mawang/Plaman - Bunan Gega – Kpg Batu Bedang.
Such a
hot day during ngabang.. And I don’t prefer much on sweet and soft drink..and
also Kingway beer..as that brand are popular serve during Gawai.hehe.
*sorry if
there are any wrong infos written above *
