Gawai Dayak
1 - 2 juni, zondag – maandag
Zuid-Kalimantan
Traditions of Celebration
The celebration typically begins on the evening of May 31st, with various rituals and preparations. A key element of the festival is traditional food and drinks. Popular dishes include pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo) and lemang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo), as well as tuak—a locally brewed rice wine that is widely consumed during the festivities.
Traditional dances, music, and a display of crafts are important aspects of Gawai Dayak. During the festival, families gather in longhouses, which are decorated with mats and hammocks, where guests can rest. Families also perform rituals such as miring, a ceremony of offerings to deities for protection and prosperity.
In addition, traditional attire is worn during Gawai Dayak, with men wearing loincloths and women adorning themselves with beautiful handmade garments and jewelry. This festival not only serves as an important social and religious event but also helps preserve the cultural heritage of the Dayak people.