| Azaraimy HH |
THE ethnic Dusun association, Pakatan Sang Jati Dusun (PSJD), held celebrations for the annual Adau Gayoh festival at Kampong Bukit Udal in the Tutong District yesterday, to mark the end of the rice harvesting season.
The day-long event was officially launched by Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, the Tutong District Officer, with a drumming of the ‘Tukulan’ – an instrument which is traditionally used to draw the attention of other farmers, or to drive away birds.
According to Imbon bin Singgoh, the Deputy President of PSJD and chairman of the festival, the theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Begimba’, which is a Dusun term that loosely translates to ‘all are welcome to celebrate’.
The theme also ties with PSJD’s continuing efforts to promote the Dusun language among the younger generation, in order to preserve their cultural heritage.
Matasan bin Uking, 72, a former PSJD Secretariat in the 1980s, told the Bulletin that prior to the festival, a ceremony called ‘Tamarok Makan Parai’ was held as a gesture of thanks for the rice harvest.
Tutong District Officer, Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain tours the exhibition. – AZARAIMY HH
After officially launching the festival, the Tutong District Officer socialised with members of the ethnic Dusun community.
Also present were Francis Daniel, the General Secretary of the Sabah Suang Lotud Association (LOTUD) and representatives of several ethnic groups from Sabah.
The event was enlivened with several cultural dances such as Ancayau, Mengalai and Pat Dudui.
There was also a display showcasing traditional games which included Kalating, Bubun dan Dukut, Jaring, Puun, Gaang (Sugang), Saluk-Salukan and Gasing Yumpok.
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