Happy Gawai Dayak 2012

Gawai Dayak 2012 Dinner: Segulai, Sejalai, Sepenemu

Nadai Nama Nama wishes to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Selamat Ari Gawai Dayak 2012. It is that time of the year again to celebrate Gawai Dayak which is closely related to a successful harvest season for the local natives whose livelihood depends mainly on paddy planting. In this modern times the festival can be symbolic for having achieved something for the year be it in career, education or personal.

 
Nadai Nama Nama attended the State Level Gawai Dayak 2012 Dinner event organised by the Sarawak Dayak National Union in Sibu on 26 May 2012 at the Kingwood Hotel Sibu.

The VIPs who graced the dinner last night

The ladies VIPs who were at the dinner last night

The dinner which was held at the Kingwood Hotel was full of colours and fun as various events were presented. It included the Kumang and Keling contest, pua kumbu weaving and design contest, entertainment by local singers like Urai and Clemence Joy, ngerebah ka ranyai and Gawai Toast amongst others. Traditional Orang Ulu dance was one of the items performed during the dinner.

The top performing students lining up

The event was made sweeter as there were incentives handed out to students who performed well in the public exams ~ sponsored by the honourable guest YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu himself.

The theme for this Gawai Dayak 2012 dinner is Segulai, Sejalai, Sepenemu. I find that quite catchy. Even though one may be very far away from the paddy field, in the end it will be that bowl of rice you are having for your meals that keeps you, your family, your community going. So let’s not take things for granted as we cherish the peace and prosperity that allows us to observe this Gawai Dayak. Aptly explained by the patron for that night YB Tan Sri William Mawam anak Ikom, he pointed out that this gathering reflects unity and all members of the community are present, no mateer which ideology or political divide they belong to.

 

The Pua Kumbu competition being showcased by SIDS own models during the dinner

   

The Kumang Beauty Queen contestants at the Gawai 2012 Dinner

The Keling (Warriors) contestants for Gawai 2012

YB Minister for Social Development, YB Tan Sri William Mawan ak Ikom, who is the Dinner Patron performs the ngajat dance during the ngerebah ke ranyai ceremony 

Deputy Chief Minister, YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu anak Numpang performs the ngajat during the ngerebah ke ranyai ceremony

VIPs leading the Gawai 2012 toast

VIPs greeted Dad at the dinner: from left YB Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, YB Tuan Jelain Mersat, YB Tan Sri William Mawan Anak Ikom, YB Encik Joseph Mauh Ikeh, YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu ak Numpang, YB Datuk Joseph Entulu

Winners for the Kumang Contest: 1st Francissca Tida anak Jeffery, 2nd Maryline Enol, 3rd Daphne Mirra Thomas and Keling Contest: 1st Jeff Wesley anak Nanong, 2nd Jeffery anak Tinggom, 3rd Zachary Enjat anak Daniel.

 

Contestants posing with the VIPs

The Beauty of Gawai~ Nadai Nama Nama wishes Happy Gawai Dayak 2012 to all