Images via Astro Awani/Tntsynaesthesia
Malaysia is an amazing country filled with many different races and cultures. One of the innumerable traditions still kept alive and strong today is the ones cherished and celebrated by the Sarawakians.
Year after year, despite how time has changed the way some people make a living or moved them geographically, Dayaks will always return to beautiful Borneo.
Here are a few reasons why Sarawakians cherish the state so much:
#1 Celebrating Hari Gawai back in the longhouse
Image via Nor Haiza Che Mat
Although some Dayaks have left the longhouse in pursuit of different careers, the one-time everyone returns home for is the Gawai Festival.
The festival marks the end of the annual rice harvesting season and it’s the perfect time for loved ones to gather, re-energise and celebrate the bountiful harvest.
#2 Balik kampung time, a.k.a Pulai Menua
Image via Sarawak Tourism
For most Peninsula Malaysians, going back to your hometowns may be a 4-hour drive away but it’ll take half a day or more for those returning home to Sarawak.
Most longhouses are built further away from the big cities, so the journey is arduous. Many Dayaks take planes, long car or bus rides, longboats and some even walk many kilometres on foot.
However, nothing beats reaching the stairs of your longhouse and catching up with all 30 pintu or so (families) living there.
#3 Stuffing your face with Pansuh every chance you get
Pansuh is a dish made up of daun jabang (tapioca leaves), some type of meat, salt and water all dumped into a tube of bamboo and barbequed on an open fire.
The result? A mouth-watering feast served with bamboo rice and fermented veggies or meat called kasam. The hardest part about eating is waiting for it to cool down!
There’s no way a Sarawakian wouldn’t gobble up a plate-full of Pansuh, especially when you’ve lived outside the state for some time.
#4 Ngajat with 30+ pintu in the long house
The beauty of longhouses is having multiple families living together under one roof. Literally! Multiple generations recognise, love and cherish one another.
The best part is when it comes to doing the Ajat, a traditional dance. Despite the men and the women having their distinct Ajats, it’s a beautiful time when everyone starts showing off their moves during Hari Gawai.
#5 When Sada Borneo repped Sarawak’s music on Asia’s Got Talent
Besides dancing, Sarawakians also have many lovely musical instruments that produce some of the most relaxing tunes ever. There are the tawa, bebendai, engkerumong, kedebung and of course, the sape.
Sada Borneo, a band consisting of 5 talented individuals, performed on the Asia’s Got Talent stage using these instruments and Sarawakians will forever cherish this moment.
#6 Watching the special few people in the tribe practice some traditions you can’t
Image via ATUQUE/Flickr
Though only female mediums can weave the pua’ kumbu, it’s still amazing to see how they weave beautiful tapestries that are linked to dreams.
Besides that, not many young Dayaks these days can recite the old stories and literature anymore. So, it’s a particularly special treat when you gather around the few who can and listen to their intricate storytelling with a warm cup of MILO.
#7 Tracing your lineage and growing the family tree
Image via Tsem Rinpoche
Usually, families meet a week before Hari Gawai itself to have more time spent with each other, especially the new members. The act of tracing lineage is called betusut and it’s led by an elder who informs the younger gens of their ancestors and extended family members.
It’s fun to see how the families relate to each other and to see the family tree growing bigger every year. There’s always a new face in the longhouse and it’s never a dull time.
#8 Having the perseverance and grit throughout the harvesting szn
Labour work is intense, especially when done under the scorching Malaysian sun for extended periods. This is why perseverance and grit are important to yield a good harvest, and consuming food and drinks that give energy is important.
MILO is a much-loved beverage throughout Malaysia over the past 70 years. A glass of the drink made up of barley malt, milk, and cocoa, with a unique combination of nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals has become synonymous with energy.
MILO is constantly present in Sarawakians’ lives, in homes, and on important occasions or milestones. During the harvesting season, a cup of MILO at breakfast gives a great boost of strength for the farmers.
A single cup of MILO contains a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that unlocks the energy they need for a bountiful harvest
Image via MILO
On the other hand, those journeying a long way towards home can also indulge in the beverage for a boost of energy.
While everyone’s keeping safe distances and may not be together to celebrate Gawai this year, MILO – having been a quintessential part of Sarawakian households and must-have nutritious breakfast drink for generations – joins Sarawakians in spirit on this occasion to bring the goodness and familiar taste of home.
To learn more about the goodness of MILO energy, head over to MILO’s website!