 |
Events
& Festivals 2000 |
| June |
 |
• Dayak Festival
(June 1-2)
(Public Holiday in
Sarawak)
Similar to the Harvest Festival in Sabah, the Dayak festival or Gawai Dayak
signifies the end and beginning of a harvesting season for the Dayak tribe in Sarawak.
Homes and ancestors’ graves are spring cleaned and decorated during this major
weeklong festival. However, every family member would gather in a room in their homes a
day before the actual celebration to partake in a special ceremony. The youngest in the
family would offer a plate of food, which is specially cooked for that occasion, to his or
her parents. Decked in their finery, the Dayak people will then celebrate with much
drinking of tuak, which is a special brew of rice wine. Dancing and merry making will then
carry on till the wee hours of the morning. To further thank the gods for the good
harvest, animals are sacrificed during the happy occasion.
• Prophet
Muhammad’s Birthday
(June 15)
(Nationwide Public
Holiday)
The birthday of the prophet is an important occasion to the Muslim community of Malaysia,
as it reminds them of the prophet’s efforts to spread and uphold Islam. Also known as
Maulud Nabi, this festival is celebrated with special prayers and sermons in
mosques, processions and feasts. |
