BY GILLVEN MIXCOLLIN
KUCHING: The Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) has conveyed heartfelt greetings to the Dayak community in celebration of Gawai Dayak, underscoring the festival’s significance as a time for thanksgiving and unity.
ACS chairman, the Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute, emphasised the importance of Gawai as a moment to express gratitude to Almighty God for blessings received and anticipated.
“Gawai, by its very nature, is a Thanksgiving celebration.
“As the Dayak community celebrates Gawai, we call on everyone to join in the celebration as we can strengthen our bonds of friendship, harmony, and unity,” he said in a press statement yesterday (May 30).
He encouraged everyone, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, to participate in the celebrations.
Jute highlighted the tradition of the open house and “ngabang,” a unique practice in Sarawak symbolising generosity and hospitality.
He noted that Sarawak’s culture of mutual understanding and respect serves as a model for national unity.
“Sarawak can continue to lead the way in promoting and fostering mutual understanding, respect, and acceptance, all of which are important ingredients for national unity,” he said.
