Tadau Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak are two thanksgiving harvest festival that are celebrated amongst Sabahans and Sarawakians. However one must not be mistaken to use the greeting interchangeably as Tadau Kaamatan is commemorated amongst Sabahans while the latter belongs to the Sarawakians.
Our Semenanjung readers must be careful to not wish the wrong greetings to your Sabahan and Sarawakian friends okayyy. We’re trying to help you to not embarrass yourself in front of your friends.
While both of these cultural celebration marks the bountiful yields and a time to plan for the new farming season or other endeavors ahead, each state has its own unique way of celebrating.
Let’s find out how Gawai Dayak is different from Tadau Kaamatan!
#Which Ethnicity Celebrates Gawai?
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In Sabah, Tadau Kaamatan is celebrated amongst Kadazan-Dusuns and many other ethnics in the state. While in Sarawak, Gawai Dayak is observed by the Dayak in Sarawak which consist of Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu which also includes Kelabit, Kenyah, Kayan and Lun Bawang. While the Iban and Bidayuh prominently celebrate Gawai as they have a stronger connection to the ancient customs, the upriver people, also known as Orang Ulu choose to stand by their belief in Christianity and prefers to usher in Christmas instead.
#Traditional Treats
No celebrations would be complete without an array of traditional food and drinks! And our Sabahan friends have their own cultural serving of Hinava, a raw fish dish marinated in lime for Tadau Kaamatan. Sarawakians on the other hand, brews a ritual drink called Tuak about a month before festive occasion. Another must have meal is Pansoh Manok, a traditional chicken and lemongrass dish cooked in a bamboo log over an open fire. They also relish some sweet treats such as the Sarang Semut cakes similar to what the Malays enjoy for Raya and Penganan Iri a disc-shaped rice cake with a crispy crust. Yum! Aren’t we all just grateful to live in a food heaven that is Malaysia?
#Cultural Attires
Sabahan prides in their cultural attire such as the Sinuangga’ of the Kadazan from Penampang, Sinipak of Tindal Kota Belud, Siya of Kadazan Papar or Kinaling of Kimaragang Kota Belud. In its neighbouring state Sarawak, the Iban dresses in Ngepan Laki while the ladies dress in Ngepan Indu.
Ngepan Laki consists a short-sleeved vest called Kelambi and a Sirat (loincloth). A Parang Ilang (Iban sword) completes the look, along with a belt, armlets and anklets made from silver and a Labong headgear. The Ngepan Indu for the women features a traditional woven skirt called Kain Sebat, Sugu Tinggi headdress, Rawai Tinggi corset and silver Lampit belt. It also adorns the wearer in leg bracelets called Sementing Bunchai and a colourful chest adornment called Marik Empang among others. We totally love this look btw!
The Bidayuh spots a more minimalist look with their woman wearing a sleeveless bloused and a Jomuh (skirt) accessorised with beaded necklace, a metal belt and a headgear. The men wore long loincloth called Tawoup Tidily wrapped around the body and a headgear called Burang Samba made of cloth with a narrow border of golden lace among and the occasional armlets called Kima.
#Beauty Pageants
Sabah is famous for its Unduk Ngadau, a beauty pageant that commemorate the sacrifice of the goddess Huminodun. Over in Sarawak, the community holds the Kumang and Keling Gawai, a beauty pageant to choose the festival’s queen and king during the Gawai Dayak. The beauty pageant is usually conducted with great pride with many categories from the different Dayak race joining. Judges will deliberate based on the participant’s personality, academic achievements and physical appearance. Here is last year’s Kumang Gawai R&R Borneo Cultural winner Claudia Jara Luke. Such a girl crush!
#Traditional Dances
Kadazan-Dusun of Sabah has their own traditional folk dance called the Sumazau which is inpired by the eagle flying patterns and it is the most important dances during Kaamatan asides from the Magunatip (Bamboo dance). The Iban tribe of Sarawak practices the Ngajat dance for Gawai Dayak. The dance is believed to have been performed by warriors on their return from battle. The male dancers don a large headgear adorn with large feathers while holding an ornate and long shield in their hand with chains, beads, and a loin cloth. Traditionally, this dance was only performed by male dancers but not anymore.
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The beauty of Malaysia definitely lies in the diversity of the different races and religions. We must not let the rapid modernisation erase our rich cultural heritage so that it will always be appreciated and respected in its historical origin, cultural and spiritual significance.
Also, as Malaysians, we love our long list of public holidays as a direct result from our diverse races too. So much so that we have a typical habit during these days that we can relate to. Catch this episode of Surely Malaysian featuring local comedian, Keren Bala revealing what Malaysians love to do on public holidays.
