Gawai Dayak: A Traveler's Guide to Sarawak’s Cultural Celebration

Gawai Dayak, often simply called "Gawai," is an annual festival celebrated on June 1st and 2nd by the Dayak community in Sarawak, Malaysia. The term "Gawai" comes from the Iban language and means ritual or festival. This celebration is a time of gratitude, marking the end of a successful harvest and the beginning of new hopes for the future.

Originally known by various names within different communities, such as Do Ledoh among the Kayan, Gawai has grown into one of the most important cultural events on Sarawak's social calendar. Today, it serves as an umbrella term for celebrations across all indigenous groups for the harvest festival.

Origins of Gawai Dayak

The origins of Gawai Dayak traces back to the late 1950s. It was first conceived by two radio producers, Tan Kingsley and Owen Liang, before gaining traction among the Dayak community. At the time, the British colonial government rejected calls to officially recognize "Dayak Day." The name "Sarawak Day" was introduced in 1962 to represent all Sarawakians regardless of ethnicity. However, Gawai Dayak was not officially gazetted as a public holiday until 1964. The first celebration of Gawai Dayak took place in 1965, and over the years, it has become a symbol of unity, strength, and aspiration for the Dayak people. The event is deeply embedded in their culture and is an integral part of their social and cultural lives.

Who are the Dayak People

The term "Dayak" is a collective name for the indigenous people of Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan, and the interior of Borneo. While the Dayaks share some common cultural traits, their customs, laws, dialects, and traditions vary between subgroups. The Dayaks, primarily comprises of Iban (Sea Dayak) and Bidayuh (Land Dayak), and Orang Ulu's (Upriver People or Interior People) which are the Kayans, Kenyahs, Kelabits, and Lun Bawangs.

In Sarawak, the Ibans are the most prominent group commonly associated with Gawai Dayak celebrations. Known for their vibrant culture and strong community bonds, the Ibans are also famously recognized for their strong tolerance for alcohol, particularly their enjoyment of tuak—a traditional rice wine that is often central to Gawai festivities.

Preparations for the Festival

Preparations for Gawai Dayak commence weeks in advance. The people engage in cleaning and decorating their homes, particularly in longhouse communities. Families brew tuak, preserve meat from wild game and poultry, and prepare traditional dishes, such as pansoh (meat cooked in bamboo) and various cakes like sarang semut (ant nest cake) and kuih sepit (twisted cake). The longhouse is adorned with handwoven ceremonial cloths called pua kumbu, along with wooden shields and musical instruments.

Traditional Attire

During Gawai Dayak, traditional costumes take center stage as Iban men and women proudly display their cultural attire. Iban men wear ngepan, a ceremonial wrap, paired with sirat or cawat and feathered headdresses, while women don intricately handwoven skirts and elaborate corsets adorned with beads, coins, and other embellishments.

Depending on which region the Ibans hail from, you can notice variations in the ngepan styles, with unique features and accessories specific to each community.

Similarly, other Dayak groups also showcase their unique attire during the celebrations, each with distinct patterns and styles that celebrate their shared traditions and cultural identity.

Gawai: A Night of Gathering, Celebration & Thanksgiving

The night before Gawai is a time of communal feasting and celebration. The people gather in the longhouse, dressed in their traditional attire, to enjoy a festive meal. This gathering is a joyous reunion as families return to their homes. While many Dayaks wear traditional clothing for the celebrations, it’s not mandatory—some opt for modern attire, making it a personal choice based on preference or the nature of the gathering. For instance, if a beloved friend or visiting tourist joins the festivities, traditional attire is often worn as part of a warm, welcoming experience. Regardless of the clothing choice, the spirit of Gawai remains centered on unity, gratitude, and celebration.

Celebration: Food & Dancing

At the stroke of midnight, the gong resonates, and the Tuai Rumah leads a toast with Ai Pengayu, wishing each other “Gayu Guru, Gerai Nyamai” which is Iban for Long Life, Health, and Prosperity.

The celebrations feature traditional music and dances, such as the Ngajat - a dance celebrated by the majority of the Dayak groups, which convey joy and thankfulness for the harvest. The movements of male and female dancers elegantly reflect the type of animal they are trying to portray.

As many Dayaks have transitioned to Christianity, their traditional rituals and customs have gradually diminished. However, among those who continue to embrace their cultural practices, the intent behind these dances and ceremonies may differ from their original meanings. Perhaps for the Christians, engaging in these traditional dances serves not only as a celebration of their heritage but also as a way to maintain their cultural identity.

Ngabang: Open House Tradition

On June 1st, Dayak homes open their doors to visitors, a practice known as Ngabang. Guests are welcomed with ai tiki (a ceremonial drink) and offered tuak. The welcoming process includes various traditional drinks, including ai basu (washing drink) and ai untong (profit drink), in a practice called nyibur temuai (watering the guests).

What to Expect when Celebrating Gawai

Celebrating Gawai is an unforgettable experience, marked by an abundant flow of tuak and beer. The festivities often stretch from day to night, with locals warmly offering drinks to everyone who joins—it's a hospitality you simply can't refuse, even if you tried. Expect plenty of karaoke, barbecued pork, and, come the next day, a likely dizzy head from the festivities.