Gawe Dayak Traditional Ceremony

After two years of absence due to restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dayak people in West Kalimantan Province and throughout Kalimantan, including in the State of Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia, are again holding Gawai Dayak in May 2022.

Gawai Dayak is an event held in West Kalimantan and Sarawak, Malaysia by the indigenous tribes of West Kalimantan and Sarawak, in particular the Iban and Darat Dayak tribes.

During this event, a variety of foods and drinks are served, including pork and a fermented rice liquor called Tajok.

“We celebrate Gawai Dayak as the Dayak people’s gratitude for the blessings from God through harvesting from the fields,” said Aju, a Dayak leader from Bengkayang Regency.

Gawai Dayak is a day of harvest celebration and is held on a large scale in Malaysia since 25 September 1964.

The opening of Gawai Dayak is an official ceremony day. Gawai Dayak speech at the Malaysian state level on June 1, 1965.

Gawai Dayak has several ceremonies performed in the city and lamin (long house).

Offerings of various foods and lords are offered to the rice god for good results. The poet will recite a special mantra for this ceremony and apply the blood of a rooster to the offering material.

After this ceremony, the Gawai Dayak event will officially begin. A tree known as ‘ranyai’ will be erected in the center of the room, and celebrations with food and drink.

They will also visit family and friends, known as ‘ngabang’.

Traditional clothes to be worn and beaded jewelry from the ulu community will be issued to be worn on that day.

Iban virgins will also wear traditional silver jewelry. The Gawai Dayak party is closed and ends with the descent of the ranyai tree.*