Kenyah festival a big buzz in Ulu Baram

MIRI: Over 700 people from all eight Kenyah longhouses in Ulu Baram thronged Kampung Lio Mato to take part in the inaugural ‘ Pesta Lumba Rakit and Sukaneka’ from Dec 21-22.

The two- day festival attracted not just those living in the rural areas but also visitors from Kuching, Bintulu and the peninsula who headed back to their longhouses for the festival.

Organising chairlady Annia Selalang Lawai said the festival received huge support from the communities, it being held for the first time.

“It is a festival that gathers all Kenyah communities in Ulu Baram with the objective to promote our culture and traditions and unity among the Kenyahs,” she said.

The Kenyah villages are Kampung Lio Mato, Long Selaan, Long Tungan, Long Semiyang, Long Selawan, Long Jeeh, Long Silat, Long Makabar and Long Moh. Among the exciting activities held were the ‘ Lumba Rakit’ or Raft Race and cultural competitions among the eight Kenyah villages.

“The raft race was a hit as it is a traditional game. We made it one of our main events as many longed to participate in it,” Annia said.

Apart from the bamboo raft race, there were also cultural competitions of singing, dancing, sape and traditional Kenyah

It is a festival that gathers all Kenyah communities in Ulu Baram with the objective to promote our culture and traditions and unity among the Kenyahs.

singing for ‘Lan E’ song competition among the longhouses

Categories contested in the dance were single dance (men and women) and long dance.

A pageant pitted the participants sent by each village, in the ‘Balan Nyanding’ ( Keling) and ‘Bungan Lisu’ (Kumang) competitions.

Popular events were also held, like the tug- of-war and basket weaving.

Present to officiate at the festival were Baram MP Anyi Ngau and deputy State Legislative Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is Mulu assemblyman.

At the function, Anyi and Gerawat each gave away RM20,000 in MRP fund to the organisers while Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chuk Pai Ugon, who was unable to attend the function, chipped in RM10,000 as announced by Anyi.

The festival was organised by Lio Mato Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

Annia Selalang Lawai, Organising chairlady

Anyi (fifth right) cuts the ribbon to launch the raft race as Annia (fourth right) and others look on.

Crowds taking part in morning aerobics.

Balan Nyanding and Bungan Lisu beauty pageant competition.

Participants in the women’s open category for the raft race competition getting on board their raft at the starting point.

Annia (centre) presents a souvenir to Anyi (left) as Long Lama district officer Baru Tai looks on.