SIMUNJAN – Kampung Pentek came alive with colours, tradition and unity as it hosted the Ngiling Tikai 2025 ceremony, marking the symbolic end of the Gawai Dayak festival in Simunjan.
The event, attended by Simunjan Assemblyman (ADUN) Awla Dris, served not only as a cultural celebration but as a powerful platform to foster unity among rural communities.
“Festive seasons bring people together, but not every house can be visited. That’s why gatherings like this carry deep meaning — they reinforce the spirit of togetherness and shared heritage,” said Awla during his address.
He also urged local leaders to organise more community-focused events, such as National Day and Sarawak Day celebrations, cultural nights, sports meets and other activities that foster collaboration and pride within villages.
The event opened with traditional music, cultural performances, and Gawai-themed songs, followed by a feast featuring authentic Dayak cuisine prepared by villagers. The highlight was the ‘nghatas ranyai’ ceremony, where the symbolic ranyai tree was cut and its decorations distributed, followed by the rolling of mats (‘tika grinding’), officially closing the Gawai celebration.
Awla officiated both rituals, stressing that the event was not just about ending a festival, but about preserving heritage, uniting people and honouring the Dayak identity.
This grassroots effort continues to uphold Sarawak’s spirit of diversity and cultural resilience, especially in its rural communities.
