MIRI: Long Bedian, a serene village in Sarawak, came alive with the vibrant spirit of Christmas this year as the community embraced its ‘Balik Kampung’ theme.
The celebrations were a showcase of unity, cultural pride, and intergenerational camaraderie.
Telang Usan assemblyman, Datuk Dennis Ngau, lauded the initiative, highlighting its role in fostering relationships and strengthening the bonds among the villagers.
Speaking at the event recently, he remarked, “Christmas celebrations in Sarawak’s villages, like Long Bedian, are unparalleled. The collective effort to create a joyous and meaningful celebration is truly inspiring.”
The festivities kicked off on the evening of December 22 with a cultural night, featuring traditional dances and competitions among the village’s different blocks. Youths, adults, and the elderly participated, underscoring the inclusive nature of the event.
On December 23, the morning saw the official opening of the Sungai Merah Eco Park, a project funded by the Highland Development Agency and executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak.
The day’s events continued with games and activities that brought together villagers of all ages, culminating in the evening with more vibrant community celebrations.
Christmas Eve began with a pre-Christmas church service, attended by over 1,000 people in the newly renovated church. The renovation had expanded the space to accommodate the large congregation from Long Bedian and surrounding villages.
The main Christmas Day celebration on December 25 was marked by a church service followed by a communal feast. The lunch, held between 12 pm and 1 pm, brought the entire village together.
In the afternoon, a lucky draw raised RM25,000 for the church, with a grand prize of a motorcycle worth RM5,000. The evening concluded with a Christmas night service, a solemn and joyous end to a day of festivities.
Christmas also saw the tradition of ‘Ngabang’ — visiting friends and family in their homes — continued each evening, strengthening ties within the community.
Dennis, who spent time celebrating in Long Bedian, reflected on the unique atmosphere of village Christmas celebrations compared to urban settings, adding “In towns, the spirit can be mixed as not everyone celebrates. But in the villages, the whole community comes together, and even those from neighbouring longhouses visit their relatives. It’s a time of true togetherness.”
The assemblyman also acknowledged the youth’s pivotal role in organising activities such as football, futsal, and volleyball tournaments during the festive period. He expressed pride in supporting these initiatives through funding and encouragement.
“I see increasing levels of cooperation and activity among the youth each year.”
“Their voluntary efforts contribute to the vibrancy of our celebrations, ensuring traditions are upheld while fostering a sense of belonging among the younger generation,” he noted.
As Long Bedian’s ‘Balik Kampung’ Christmas came to a close, its success served as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and tradition.
Dennis reaffirmed his commitment to supporting such events, ensuring that the village’s unique way of celebrating Christmas continues to flourish for generations to come.
