Friday, May 16, 2008

Cultural shows mark Kaamatan fest in Sabah


BEAUFORT: The symbolic harvesting of seven padi stalks marked the launch of Sabah’s month-long cultural extravaganza.

Chief Minister Datik Musa Aman performed the ritual and struck the gong seven times at the Beaufort community centre on May 1 to kick off the Kaamatan or Harvest Festival celebrations in Sabah’s 23 districts throughout May.

The celebrations went up several notches three days later when Yang Di Pertua Negri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah launched the colourful Sabah Fest.

The launch of the Kaamatan festivities at Dewan Pak Musa in the south-western town of Beaufort was followed by the magavau ceremony or appeasement of rice spirits performed by Kadazandusun priestesses from nearby Kampung Tikuli.

Among the state leaders who witnessed the Kaamatan's launch was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the Kadazandusun Huguan Siou or paramount chief.

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