You must hear a lot of the local people say Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai during the jovial season of Gawai but what does it mean? It actually means long life, health, and prosperity in the Iban language.
The Ibans have many festivals called ‘Gawai’ but the most popular celebration would be the ‘Gawai Dayak’ (harvesting festival). During such a festival, besides the customary observance of ritual, there is usually a lot of drinking of the locally brewed rice wine called tuak, much merriment, and dancing called ngajat and displays of elaborate traditional costumes.
“Gawai” or festivals are often held at the end of the Rice Harvest throughout most parts of Sarawak, Borneo and this is a celebration of unity, aspiration, and hope for the Dayak which marks the end of the rice harvest and usher in another year of bountiful goodness. During this festival, almost everyone dresses in traditional costumes while the elders perform traditional rites.
First celebrated on 1st June 1965, it is the feast for the eyes with its colorful rituals, traditional music, cockfighting, feasting, and games. It is simply a time for merrymaking.
Tuak (rice wine) and an array of traditional food are generously served. Widespread celebrations are held not only in the main cities and towns but also in the interior settlements. Gawai is an occasion for parties, fun and games, processions, and open houses.
In remote villages, guests are expected to taste tuak and eat at each household. Another popular alcoholic beverage being served during Gawai is langkau. Langkau is made from fermented rice wine (tuak) and cooked in a barrel with a little hose hanging off the top of the barrel. The alcoholic levels in langkau are much stronger and is said to be the Sarawakian version of vodka. Music and dancing usually follow suit (which consists of mostly joget or dangdut hits).
In Kuching, for instance, celebrations start a week before with colorful street parades and cultural activities. On the eve of the Gawai, a grand state dinner is usually held with singing, dancing, and a beauty pageant, which culminates in the crowning of several Gawai Queens, one each for Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities.
Obviously, Gawai Dayak is the best and the most interesting time to visit Sarawak as you can see and sample the lifestyle and its festivities of other various Dayak communities.
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SOURCES:
Sarawak Borneo (2012), Meaning of Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai. Retrieved from: http://www.blog.sarawakborneotour.com/template_permalink.asp?id=103
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