KUCHING: There are various types of Gawai celebrations, and on June 1, which is the official Gawai Dayak day, it is appropriate and correct to greet friends and relatives with “Selamat Hari Gawai Dayak” rather than just “Selamat Gawai.”
According to the Chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA), Datuk Peter Minos, the Bidayuhs used to have Gawai for various occasions such as the opening of farm roads, searching for new farm land or areas, and after rice harvesting.
There are also other festivals, including Gawai Sipaan, which is held before paddy harvesting.
Minos explained that the word “Gawai” itself means “festival,” so simply saying “Selamat Gawai” means “happy festival.”
“However, it is incomplete and not accurate when said on June 1. To be complete, the word ‘Dayak’ must be included,” Minos clarified.
Hence, Minos said every year, when he sends text messages of greetings to his Dayak and non-Dayak friends around June 1, he always says “Selamat Hari Gawai Dayak” or “Seramat Onu Gawea Dayak” in the Bau Bidayuh Jagoi-Bratak dialect.
He further added that if it’s not on or around June 1 and formality is not required, anyone can verbally express their greetings with “Selamat Hari Gawai Dayak” in any way they prefer, including the shortened version “Selamat Gawai” or “Happy Gawai” in English.
Minos said he indulges in the joy and pride as a Dayak of the Bidayuh community when the word “Dayak” is used during the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1 each year.
