LIMBANG – The Rh. Babai Pre-Gawai Celebration in Kampung Brayung, Jalan Kubong, has been highlighted as an important platform to preserve traditions and cultural heritage, ensuring that they continue to be passed down to younger generations.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Territories of Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, who officiated the programme, said the event plays a vital role in strengthening friendships, fostering unity, and celebrating Sarawak’s diverse cultural identity. He noted that the gathering reflects the state’s multi-racial harmony and the collective spirit of its people.
The Pre-Gawai celebration, held annually before the official Gawai Dayak festival, has successfully brought together community members, leaders, and people from different backgrounds.
It serves as a medium to showcase traditional dances, ethnic music, and cultural attire, while also encouraging younger generations to appreciate and inherit these practices.
“Events like this are an important medium to celebrate and highlight cultural heritage through the uniqueness of dance, traditional music and ethnic clothing to the younger generation,” said Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman.
He added that the villagers’ cooperation in preparing traditional food, cleaning the longhouse, and organising the festivities demonstrated strong community spirit.
The celebration also featured handicrafts and traditional cuisine, reflecting the creativity and resourcefulness of the local community.
These elements not only preserve cultural practices but also provide opportunities for economic empowerment through heritage-based products.
Beyond cultural preservation, the Pre-Gawai event symbolises unity across races and religions. The participation of diverse groups underscores Sarawak’s identity as a state built on mutual respect and cooperation.
The deputy minister stressed that such celebrations are essential in maintaining harmony and strengthening bonds among communities.
The Gawai Dayak festival, celebrated on 1 June each year, is a major cultural event in Sarawak, marking the end of the harvest season.
Pre-Gawai activities such as those at Rh. Babai serves as early preparation, allowing communities to come together in anticipation of the main celebration.
By continuing to organise these events, Sarawak ensures that its traditions remain vibrant and relevant, while also instilling pride among the younger generation.
The Rh. Babai Pre-Gawai Celebration stands as a reminder that cultural heritage is not only about the past but also about shaping the future of Sarawak’s identity.
