The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) will hold a grand Gawai Dayak open house at its new multi-purpose complex on June 1.
According to DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, all the Bidayuh ethnic groups – from Biatah, Sadong, Bibukar, Jagoi, penyewa and Selako, among others – would gather to celebrate the harvest festival that night.
He said 500 invited guests will attend the festival and the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to be the guest of honour.
Pahon said the event would feature traditional performances and dances from each of the ethnic groups as well as a showcase of their traditional attires.
He said the gathering was to encourage interaction and foster a close bond among the Bidayuhs.
“We will also have an appreciation dinner and have invited other community leaders from the other races as well as non-governmental organisations,” he added.
Pahon, who is Tourism and Heritage Ministry permanent secretary, mooted the idea to have the first-ever Bidayuh-style Gawai open house to Bidayuh leader Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, who is Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister, a few months ago.
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Thursday, May 19, 2011
