Gawai Dayak

Gawai day or gawai dayak, is a festival celebrated in Sarawak. it is both a religious and social occasion. gaway dayak literally means "dayak festival". dayak visit their friends and relatives on this day. those far away receive greeting cards. the mode of calabrations varies from place to place.

the festival is celebrated on the 1 of june every year. however, it actually starts on the evening of 31 of may. gawai dayak celebration may last for several days.

on the evening of 31 of may, the ceremony (miring0 is conducted. thanking gods for the good harvest, guidance, blessings, and long life is done through sacrificing a cockerel. at midnight spirit welcoming procession (Ngaluh Petara) is held. then, the celebration get merrier as people start singing and reading poems.

on the 1 of june, the homes of the dayaks are opened to visitors. cock-fighting, blowpipe skill demonstration, and ngajat competitions are held. it is also during this time of the year that many dayak weddings take place. today, it is an integral part of  dayak social life. it is an thaksgiving day marking good harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season or activities ahead.