Poll: Respondents have mixed feelings about celebrating Gawai in endemic phase
KUCHING: There are still mixed feelings among Sarawakians when it comes to Gawai Dayak celebration this year, even when the country is transitioning to the Covid-19 endemic phase.
Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) sales assistant Shirley Joshua, 21, said everyone should still be aware of their surroundings and most especially, they should maintain adequate social distance from each other.
“Although the SOP (standard operating procedures) has been loosened, we still have to be aware of our social distancing just to be safe.
“For example, during the Gawai visiting hours at the longhouse, we must understand that if one unit is too packed, (we should) skip it and instead, visit the next host to avoid crowded spaces,” said Shirley, who comes from Merunjau Padeh in Betong.
However, she said she would not be celebrating Gawai Dayak at her hometown as she had just started working here.
On the other hand, Howard Deri Neilson Ilan hailed Gawai Dayak this time around as ‘a very meaningful celebration’ as relatives from across the states would finally be able to return to his hometown Saratok after two years of missing it out due to the pandemic and the ensuing strict travel restrictions.
“I am looking forward to going back to Saratok soon,” said the 25year-old post-graduate student.
Howard also reminisced about the festivities during eve of Gawai in his hometown, where all his close relatives would gather at the ‘ruai’ (the longhouse’s open gallery) and conduct the ‘miring’ (blessing ceremony) meant to commemorate ‘the ancestors, deities and the departed souls’.
“The merrymaking would commence on June 1, where we would visit families and friends, and have our own open-house gatherings to welcome everyone in.
“This celebration will remain an integral part of my social life as it signifies the unity and hope for the community,” he added.
Meanwhile, BCM’s administrative officer Leo Michael believed that the relaxed SOP meant to benefit everyone and thus, he continued to be positive and open-minded about it
“The relaxed SOP could be bringing us something better in the future,” said the 43-year-old, who hails from Penasu in Sibu.
However just like his colleague Shirley, Leo said he would not be celebrating Gawai in his hometown this year.
“Still, I am happy that my family is visiting me here in Kuching,” he smiled.