01/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 II theSunday Special

Gawai through generations

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BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

RADITIONS often get lost amid the rapid changes of the modern world. While there’s nothing wrong with embracing progress and the convenience of

technology, preserving a piece of who we were is just as important. Perhaps time away from our gadgets can remind us how ZH JRW KHUH LQ WKH ¿UVW SODFH Malaysians are familiar with nyonya cuisine, zapin dance, gamelan percussion, cheongsam and Thaipusam. But when it comes to the traditions of our fellow Malaysians in Borneo, many of us still have much to learn. Not everyone can hop on a plane to experience Sabah and Sarawak’s cultural richness firsthand. Still, we can start by learning about Gawai, 6DUDZDN¶V PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW FHOHEUDWLRQ Festival of thanks The Gawai Dayak festival, held every June, marks the end of the rice harvest ing season. While cities across Sarawak continue to grow and modernise, many in rural areas still rely on rice farming for WKHLU OLYHOLKRRG 0RVW RI WKH ¿HOGZRUN LV complete by June and with the next plant ing season beginning in September, it’s a well-earned time for rest and celebration.

Selamat Ari Gawai, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai! Lantang Senang Ngoan Menua! Wishing you a Happy Gawai with long life, wisdom, good health, peace and prosperity throughout the land.”

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