Monday, June 23, 2008

Rich colours of Sarawak


SARAWAK put on a grand display of its rich cultural traditions at the Gawai Dayak Open House at the Indoor Stadium here recently.

Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng was joined on stage by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to launch the event by winnowing rice in traditional flat baskets.

Also present were Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

A welcoming dance to kick off the celebration was followed by a solo Orang Ulu ngajat” (warrior’s dance) and a “Selamat Gawai” song.

There were special performances by cultural groups from the Bisaya and Penan communities, who put on a show of their traditional dances.

A Lun Bawang bamboo band from Long Semadoh in Lawas then serenaded the crowd with a medley of familiar tunes including “Geylang Si Paku Geylang” and “Auld Lang Syne”.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Rich colours of Sarawak

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